As a kid growing up on the Westcoast I loved picking wild blackberries. The delicious dark purple berries would seem to take over ditches,parks and trails during the latter parts of the summer. Our neighbours had a large bush that would grow over our fence allowing us to pick any that came our way as soon as they were ripe.

Never did we realize that we were doing our bodies an immense favour by indulging. In recent years science has bestowed the title of “Super Food” to blackberries meaning that they have a high amount of antioxidants and particularly polyphenol antioxidants. As a Mother it means a lot to me to know that what my kids are eating is not only nourishing their bodies but also aiding in prevention of diseases, such as cancer.

This week we walked to our local park where blackberry bushes line the forest and picked a container full of blackberries. It’s funny to think that something so simple really means so much to a child. It gives them such a great connection to their food, from where it comes from and the nutritional value to how it’s prepared. My kids  spent most of the time planning what we would do with the berries when we got home. Last time I checked, I believe they are making some sort of crumble.

There are so many places around the lower mainland to find blackberries growing in public places and take advantage of a free Super Food for yourself, your family and your friends.