Blackberries And Black Raspberries Are Actually Not The Same

You're in the grocery store and you see a carton of blackberries on the shelf. Right next to those blackberries, you notice a carton of black raspberries. If those labels on the cartons didn't tell you which was which, you probably couldn't tell the difference between them. While it's true that black raspberries and blackberries look very similar, they're actually not the same thing under a different name. But how can you tell these two seemingly identical berries apart?

Although both berries share the same black-purple color, a closer inspection will reveal slight, but key differences in their textures. A blackberry, you'll notice, will have a glossy, smooth finish on the exterior with an interior "core" where the stem connected it to the rest of the plant. A black raspberry, on the other hand, will have traits common in the traditional red raspberry– a hollow, coreless interior, and an exterior that's covered in tiny little hairs or styles. Remember: if it's hollow and hairy, it's a black raspberry. If it's smooth instead of fuzzy, it's a blackberry, buddy.

Of course, you may not always be able to identify a black raspberry from a blackberry by looks alone. Like any good fruit, many differences lie not just within how the fruit looks, but how it tastes, its shape, and even how long it lasts.

Have you ever had a blackberry (or at least what you thought was a blackberry) and found it to be much sweeter than you expected? Have you ever tried a black raspberry and found that it tasted a little more tart and somewhat tangier than a regular raspberry. Chances are you've probably enjoyed a black raspberry and a blackberry without even knowing you ate one.

The flavor profile of a black raspberry is described by Specialty Produce as having a " bright, sweet, tart taste with rich, earthy, and woodsy berry-like nuances." These black raspberries have a somewhat more pronounced flavor than other raspberry varieties, such as red or yellow raspberries. Blackberries, on the other hand, are described again by Specialty Produce as having "sweet, slightly tart, with earthy undertones." Although the flavors of both black raspberries and blackberries are similar, blackberries are the tart, slightly sour version of the sweeter and richer black raspberries. 

It's because of these sweet and tart flavors that makes blackberries and black raspberries perfect for making things like jams, jellies, or pies. They are also good for serving alongside savory or salty snacks like cheeses, wines, and nuts. If you want a sweeter berry, it's best to use black raspberries, while a blackberry should be reserved for when a much more tart flavor is needed.

It's no secret that fruit goes bad pretty quickly, especially when it comes to berries. When you have a carton of black raspberries or blackberries, it's safe to say you don't have much time before they go bad. But black raspberries, in particular, may go bad much faster than your blackberries will.

But why would black raspberries expire faster than blackberries? You'll remember earlier that one of the differences between these two fruits is that black raspberries are hollow, lacking any type of core or interior like any other type of raspberry. This hollowness actually attributes to how fast the raspberry will spoil, as without its "receptacle" or core, the berry becomes less hardy and prone to gathering more moisture– moisture that will lead to the development of mold. Blackberries have that core, meaning they will get less moisture and have more time before they go bad.

It's still important to note that both berries can go relatively quickly if they aren't stored properly. Always keep your black raspberries and blackberries dry and in a cool place when you're not eating them or, if you're planning to keep them for a long time, freeze them. So long as the berries are stored properly, you can enjoy your choice of black raspberry and blackberry in a wide variety of recipes whenever you like.