9 Berries That Look Like Blackberries
When we think of blackberries, we envision those plump, juicy, dark purple fruits that tantalize our taste buds. However, the world of berries is vast and diverse, and several other delightful fruits bear a striking resemblance to blackberries.
From their appearance to their taste, these berries share uncanny similarities that may leave us wondering, “Which berries look similar to blackberries?”
To summarize, there are about 9 berries that are often confused for blackberries due to either their similar appearance, texture, or taste. They include varieties like black raspberries, elderberries, loganberries, and dewberries.
In this article, we will explore nine berries that could easily be mistaken for blackberries. We will not only be looking at their specific characteristics but what sets them apart from blackberries specifically.
Whether you’re a berry enthusiast looking to expand your palate or simply curious about the fascinating world of berries, join us as we delve into the enticing world of these look-alike fruits.
What Are Blackberries?
Blackberries are small, succulent fruits that exhibit a unique and alluring appearance. These delectable berries have a deep, rich color that ranges from dark purple to almost black when fully ripe. Their striking hue is immediately eye-catching and hints at the explosion of flavors that await when you take a bite.
The surface of the blackberry is covered in tiny individual drupelets, which are small, round, and slightly elongated. These drupelets are densely packed together, forming a cluster that makes up the berry.
When you run your fingers over the berry’s skin, you’ll notice an almost bumpy texture that sets them apart from other berries. This textured surface gives blackberries a distinct look and also contributes to their unique mouthfeel when eaten.
Blackberries are oblong or cylindrical, and each berry typically measures about 1 to 2 centimeters in length. The size of the berries may vary slightly depending on the specific variety, with some being slightly larger than others.
As you delve into the center of a blackberry, you’ll find a small, pale-yellow to greenish core, often referred to as the receptacle. This core is surrounded by the juicy, flavorful flesh of the berry, which is what makes blackberries so sought after.
When blackberries are fully ripe and at their peak, they are plump and juicy, showcasing their optimal freshness and sweetness. However, it’s essential to note that blackberries have a relatively short shelf life once picked, so they are best consumed soon after harvesting or purchasing.
Varieties of Blackberries
Now, when it comes to blackberries, there are different varieties to tickle your taste buds. The two primary types are erect blackberries and trailing blackberries.
But to be completely honest, if you’re not an expert, you’ll barely notice the difference in the berries themselves.
Erect Blackberries
These blackberries grow on upright, sturdy canes, and they’re generally larger and sweeter than their trailing counterparts.
Some popular erect varieties include “Triple Crown” and “Chester.”
Trailing Blackberries
These blackberries have long, trailing canes that need support as they grow. They tend to be smaller and more tart compared to erect blackberries.
“Marion” and “Boysen” are examples of trailing blackberry varieties.
9 Berries That Look Like Blackberries
Now that you have a better understanding of the characteristics of blackberries (albeit a refresher course), let’s take a look at some doppelgangers that look similar to them.
We included the most common types that are often confused for blackberries. But keep in mind, especially when foraging, that there could be some other, non-edible wild berries with similar features as well.
1. Dewberries
Dewberries are small, wild berries that belong to the Rubus genus, akin to blackberries and raspberries.
When it comes to their physical features, dewberries are smaller than blackberries, measuring about 1 to 2 centimeters in length, and they have an oval or oblong shape. Their color ranges from greenish-red when unripe to a deep purple to a blackish hue when fully ripe.
The surface of dewberries is adorned with tiny drupelets, creating a slightly bumpy or textured appearance.
Regarding taste, dewberries offer a sweet and tart flavor that delights the palate. Their smaller size packs a punch of juiciness and a pleasant balance between sweetness and tanginess.
When ripe, dewberries are plump and tender to the touch, indicating their readiness for consumption.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Distinguishing dewberries from blackberries is crucial, as they share some visual similarities.
Dewberries are smaller and have an oval or oblong shape, whereas blackberries are larger and more rounded. The color of fully ripe dewberries tends to be slightly redder compared to blackberries’ darker purple-to-black appearance.
Furthermore, the texture of dewberries sets them apart. Dewberries have a slightly bumpy surface due to their tiny drupelets, while blackberries have smoother skin.
2. Boysenberries
Boysenberries are a hybrid fruit resulting from a cross between blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries.
In terms of appearance, they are slightly larger with an elongated, conical shape, and their mature color ranges from a deep reddish-purple to dark maroon.
The surface is smooth, adorned with tightly packed drupelets, giving them a glossy and inviting look. When touched, boysenberries feel plump and tender, signaling their ripe juiciness.
As for taste, boysenberries offer a unique blend of sweetness and tartness. The influence of raspberries and loganberries contributes to their distinct flavor, creating a delightful burst of taste in every bite. They are versatile for both fresh consumption and culinary use, adding vibrancy to desserts, jams, pies, and more.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Though boysenberries share similarities with blackberries, they have notable differences.
Boysenberries are slightly larger and elongated in shape compared to blackberries’ more rounded appearance. The color of mature boysenberries tends to be deeper and darker.
Furthermore, boysenberries possess a more complex taste due to the influence of other berries in their genetic makeup, offering a balance of sweetness and tanginess.
3. Mulberries
Mulberries, the fruit of the Morus genus, come in various colors, including red, black, and most commonly, deep purple, similar to that of blackberries.
They have an elongated shape and measure about 1 to 2 centimeters in length. When fully ripe, their glossy skin gleams with a luscious sheen, inviting taste exploration.
In terms of flavor, mulberries boast a delicate sweetness with a subtle hint of tartness, creating a harmonious balance that delights the taste buds.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Distinguishing mulberries from blackberries requires attention to specific details.
While both berries are dark in color, mulberries tend to have a more elongated shape compared to the rounded appearance of blackberries. Additionally, mulberries come in various colors, including red and black, whereas blackberries are predominantly deep purple when ripe.
One distinct feature of mulberries is that they often grow on trees or large shrubs, whereas blackberries typically grow on low, trailing vines. This difference in growth habits can help identify the two berries in their natural settings.
To avoid any confusion, remember that mulberries have a mild sweetness with a hint of tartness, while blackberries have a more pronounced sweet and tart taste.
4. Young Berries
Youngberries, a lesser-known gem among berries, possess a captivating blend of visual appeal and succulent taste. These berries are a hybrid of blackberries and dewberries, resulting in a distinctive fruit.
In terms of appearance, youngberries are slightly larger than blackberries and have a unique elongated shape, similar to dewberries.
Their color ranges from reddish-purple to dark maroon when fully ripe. The surface of youngberries is smooth and glossy, inviting curious glances and taste exploration.
When it comes to taste, youngberries offer a delectable experience. They balance sweetness and tartness gracefully, creating a harmonious flavor profile that pleases the palate.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Youngberries have a more elongated shape compared to the rounded appearance of blackberries. Their size can also be slightly larger than blackberries.
Additionally, youngberries tend to have a reddish-purple to dark maroon color when fully ripe, while blackberries are usually deep purple to black.
The taste can also help in telling them apart, as youngberries offer a balanced sweetness and tartness, whereas blackberries have a more pronounced sweet and tart flavor.
5. Black Raspberries
Black raspberries, also known as blackcaps, are a delightful fruit that charms both the eyes and the taste buds. These berries belong to the Rubus genus, similar to blackberries and raspberries, but they possess their own unique characteristics.
In terms of looks, black raspberries are small, round berries with a deep purple to black-color when fully ripe.
They have a distinctive, velvety texture on their surface, setting them apart from the smoother skin of blackberries and raspberries.
The berries grow in clusters, showcasing their abundance and inviting pickers to indulge in their harvest.
In terms of flavor, black raspberries offer a delightful surprise. They strike a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, creating a flavor that is both luscious and refreshing.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Black raspberries are smaller and rounder compared to the more elongated shape of blackberries. Additionally, their color is typically a deeper and darker purple to black, while blackberries tend to have a more uniform black appearance.
One distinct feature of black raspberries is their velvety texture, which is absent in blackberries. The velvety feel on the surface of the black raspberry is a key identifier to separate the two.
Another distinguishing factor lies in their growth habit. Black raspberries typically grow on sturdy canes, similar to raspberries, while blackberries grow on more flexible and trailing canes.
6. Marionberries
These berries boast an alluring deep, purplish-black hue that makes them easily distinguishable from other berries.
Their oblong shape and glossy, plump texture further add to their visual appeal. When fully ripe, they are incredibly juicy, enticingly fragrant, and slightly larger than your average Blackberry.
In terms of taste, marionberries offer a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. Their natural sweetness is pleasantly balanced with a subtle tanginess, making them a delectable treat for the palate.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Differentiating marionberries from regular blackberries can be challenging, but there are some telltale signs to look out for.
One key characteristic is the size; marionberries are typically larger than most blackberries.
Additionally, their dark purple-black color is often more intense compared to other blackberry varieties.
While blackberries are generally sweet, marionberries tend to have a slightly more complex flavor profile with a unique blend of sweetness and tartness, setting them apart in taste.
7. Loganberries
Loganberries, a unique hybrid between raspberries and blackberries, possess many unique characteristics.
These elongated, red-purple berries display a vibrant color that catches the eye. Their shape resembles a large raspberry, yet they are more elongated and conical.
The surface is covered in tiny, delicate hairs, providing a soft texture to the touch.
When ripe, loganberries exude a delightful aroma, enticing berry enthusiasts with their alluring scent.
They are slightly sweeter than blackberries and raspberries, making them a favored choice for those who prefer a milder berry flavor. Biting into a loganberry reveals a burst of juiciness, with the sweetness tinged with a subtle tang, creating a refreshing and unique taste experience.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
To differentiate loganberries from blackberries, observe their shape and color. Loganberries are elongated and more conical, while blackberries typically have a rounder shape.
Additionally, loganberries often display a reddish-purple hue, whereas blackberries tend to be darker, closer to black.
8. Huckleberries
Huckleberries, a hidden gem among berries, offer a delightful sensory experience with their unique appearance and captivating taste.
Belonging to the Vaccinium genus, similar to blueberries, huckleberries stand out with the distinct attributes that set them apart.
In terms of appearance, huckleberries are small, round berries with a rich color palette ranging from dark purple to almost black when fully ripe. Their glossy and smooth skin makes them visually appealing, inviting curious glances and taste exploration.
Unlike blueberries, which are more commonly known, huckleberries boast a deeper and more luxurious color that adds to their allure.
As for taste, huckleberries present a delightful surprise to the palate. They strike a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. The juicy flesh of huckleberry releases a burst of natural sweetness, making them a refreshing and indulgent treat.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
While both berries are dark in color, huckleberries are generally smaller and rounder compared to the more elongated shape of blackberries.
Additionally, huckleberries exhibit a deeper and richer hue, ranging from dark purple to almost black, while blackberries tend to have a uniform black appearance.
The texture of huckleberries is smooth and glossy, setting them apart from blackberries’ more bumpy and textured surfaces.
While both berries may grow in the wild, huckleberries are typically found in specific regions, adding to their allure as a cherished and sought-after treasure.
9. Salmonberries
Salmonberries, a delightful wild fruit native to North America, present a captivating appearance and an enticing taste. These berries belong to the Rubus genus, just like blackberries and raspberries.
In terms of appearance, salmon berries are typically larger than blackberries and raspberries, with a size that ranges from 1 to 2 centimeters in length. They have a unique, conical shape and come in varying colors, from bright orange to red, and even shades of yellow.
As for taste, salmon berries offer a delightful burst of flavor with a balance of sweetness and tartness. The ripe berries are juicy and succulent, creating a refreshing and palate-pleasing experience.
How to Differentiate from Blackberries
Salmonberries have a larger and more conical shape, while blackberries are typically rounder and smaller.
In terms of color, salmon berries are distinct with their bright orange to red hues, while blackberries have a deep purple to black color when fully ripe.
