When you Google blackberry it is not a great cobbler or jam recipe that comes up – it’s not even anything close to being edible. We are here to change that… Blackberries are ripe and ready to pick in Idaho. The berry, found throughout the state is a summertime favorite and a healthy addition to family meals. High in antioxidants, fiber and Vitamins A and C – blackberries can improve the nutritional quality of almost any dish you add them to...and they taste delicious!

So – where do you find blackberries in Idaho? Your best bet is your local farmers market. Blackberries are not grown commercially in Idaho, but many small farmers and backyard gardeners grow blackberries and sell directly to consumers at markets, farm stands and through U-Pick. In the Treasure Valley check out The Berry Ranch in Nampa for blackberries and while you are there, pick up some melons and sweet corn!

Blackberries are best when picked at peak of ripeness as they will not continue to ripen after picking. So, pick or buy only the darkest purple, nearly black colored berries and eat or freeze within 2 days as berries soften and spoil quickly. Berries are easy to freeze (if there are any left) – simply wash, drain and put into freezer bags and freeze immediately.

Great just plain, mixed into vanilla yogurt, or sprinkled on top of homemade or store-bought ice cream, blackberries are very versatile. Try adding blackberries to a salad with baby spinach, Ballard Dairy Feta cheese, grape or cherry tomatoes from your garden or farmers market and some green onions. For a quick easy dessert or breakfast treat, make a blackberry cobbler by pouring a basic cobbler batter over fresh berries and baking to golden brown.

Regardless of how you enjoy your blackberries, do it now. These summertime favorites are a real treat – probably because they are only available fresh for a short time each year.

Serve all Idaho foods on this All-American holiday.

The 4th of July means celebration of freedom and independence, of family and friends, and of community. And like any celebration, food is an integral part. Fourth of July food means hot dogs on the grill, homemade potato salad, fresh summer fruit and icy-cold beverages. This Independence Day, celebrate with local foods. Its so easy to do in Idaho!

Start with the dogs (beef, pork, chorizo) made by local companies like Falls Brand and Gem Pack and found at most local grocery stores. Serve them on crusty rolls made by Zeppole, Alpicella, Harvest Classic or Great Harvest Bakeries, all baked fresh daily in the Treasure Valley. Idaho’s famous tubers should star in your favorite family potato salad recipe along with Idaho onions, local eggs and fresh herbs. And although it’s too early for Idaho watermelons, enjoy our sweet dark cherries. Idaho cherries, grown in the warm Sunnyslope area of Caldwell and in the Emmett Valley are now available at the orchards, farmers markets, and local grocery stores. And if seed-spitting is on your holiday activity list, cherry pits work just as well as watermelon seeds! Before the fireworks start, enjoy homemade ice cream made with Idaho milk, cream, and sugar. Or enjoy Cloverleaf Creamery ice cream, made fresh daily in Buhl, and top it off with fresh local strawberries, blackberries, raspberries or Rocky Mountain blueberries!

Need to find these local foods for your July 4th celebration or want some new recipe ideas? Just visit our Find Local Products page and start a new “local” tradition for your picnic or BBQ.