Delicious Summer with Easy Blackberry Recipes

Hello,

I hope you are having a fun summer. I love all the seasons but summer has to be my favorite. The hot weather, the festive activities, camping under the stars, and of course, the fruits and veggies. Blackberry season is here and it is abundant. Because of all the water California has received in recent years, the blackberries are big and juicy. In addition to being delicious, blackberries are packed with goodness, like:

Vitamin C everyone's favorite antioxidant boosts your immune system and is essential for wound healing. It also helps produce collagen and neurotransmitters.

Vitamin K is required for blood clotting and keeps your bones healthy. It promotes heart and brain health.

Vitamin A  Fun fact: Vitamin A is responsible for producing the pigments in the retina of the eye and helps to support sight, particularly in dim lighting. Night blindness can be a symptom of vitamin A deficiency.  Also, vitamin A is great for skin, teeth, bones, and the immune system.

Polyphenols increases brain functions, treats digestive disorders like diabetes, and benefits your cardiovascular system. 

Blackberry Spirtzer Recipe

If you are lucky enough to be able to pick fresh blackberries, their frequencies are amazing! I'm picking my weight in blackberries this season. Here are 2 of my favorite blackberry recipes:

Blackberry Spritzer

This is so refreshing and invigorating. I like salty with sweet so I add a pinch of sea salt. Plus, sea salt has added minerals and helps balance electrolytes. 

Bubble water

Fresh blackberries

Fresh squeezed lemon juice

Honey, local if you have allergies

Sea salk, optional

Ice, optional

In a glass, mix 1 tablespoon of honey into 2 tablespoons of hot water to make a syrup. Squeeze lemon juice into a glass. Mix well to combine. Add ice, then pour in the bubble water to the top. Garnish with blackberries. Enjoy with a smile on your heart!

Blackberry Jam

This is a yummy way to add some collagen to your diet. This jam doesn't last long so I don't bother preserving the jars. I like the crunch and nutrients of the seeds so I don't strain it but you can if you like smooth jams.

3 1/2 cups fresh blackberries 2 tablespoons room temperature water 2 teaspoons grass fed collagen powder (you can buy it here on my website) In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add blackberries. While the pan heats up, mix water and collagen until smooth. Cook for about 5 minutes until the blackberries get really shiny and fall apart. Pour in the collagen mixture and combine. Pour into mason jars. Let cool then store in the fridge.  If you prefer seedless jam, cook until berries have completely fallen apart. Push berries through a seive and into a bowl. Add in the collagen mixture into the berries and combine. Pour into mason jars. Let cool then store in the fridge. 

If summer is too hot for you, there are numerous herbs you can take to help you regulate your temperature.

Calm ES by Evergreen

Extra-strength formula for severe restlessness, stress, and anxiety; also a support formula for craving and withdrawal associated with addiction. Great for being too hot to sleep

Balance Heat by Evergreen

Menopause with manifestations of heat like hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, and mood swings

Coptis Purge Fire by Health Concerns Heat imbalance causing skin blisters, irritability, migraines, red eyes, UTI, or constipation

GI CARE by Evergreen

Acid reflux, burning sensation in the gut, stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer due to excessive amount of gastric acid

Herbal ABX by Evergreen

An herbal antibiotic formula for bacterial and viral infection that reduces fever

Please let me know if you have any questions or are interested in getting herbs to help you cool down. I hope you summer is as delicious and fun as mine! I look forward to seeing you in my office soon!

Dr. Heather Bird