Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Blackberries

Department of Defense fresh fruits and vegetables fact sheet for blackberries.

Product Description

Good quality berries should be plump, clean and well-colored. Avoid “weeping” berries or those with shriveled or dry membranes.

Peak Growing Season

Blackberries are available February to September. Their peak season is from June to September.

Uses

Eat fresh, use in baking and fruit salads.

Preparation

Blackberries are extremely perishable and should be handled with care. Stains on the underside of individual pints or cases indicate over ripe berries. Good-quality berries will be fairly firm and clean with good color. Wash berries just before serving.

Storage

Blackberries should be stored between 32–35 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 90–95 percent. They should be refrigerated upon receiving. Cover berries with plastic and store on higher shelves to prevent absorption of other odors.

Best If Used By

Blackberries will keep for only a few days to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Legend: kcal = kilocalorie; g = gram; mg = milligram; RAE = retinol activity equivalent; IU = international unit

A 1/2 cup serving provides:

Calories 31
Protein 1.0 g
Carbohydrate 6.92 g
Fat 0.35 g
Saturated Fat 0.010 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Iron .45 mg
Vitamin C 15.1 mg
Vitamin A 8 RAE
Calcium 21 mg
Sodium 1 mg
Dietary Fiber 3.8 g

Source of Information

Questions:   Food Distribution Program | FoodDistribution@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Thursday, October 02, 2025
Related Content
  • DoD Fact Sheets
    Department of Defense (DoD) fresh fruits and vegetables fact sheets.
Recently Posted in Nutrition

  • Honoring Cultural Preferences in School Nutrition (added 02-Mar-2026)
    This webinar highlights best practices for incorporating student cultural food preferences honoring Black voice and other cultures, in menu offerings, strengthen student trust and engagement, and support equity in school meal participation.
  • State Meal Mandate (added 02-Mar-2026)
    SNP-05-2026 addresses the requirements for LEAs to serve and claim NSLP and SBP meals for both state and federal reimbursement.
  • Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 (added 27-Feb-2026)
    Announcing an update to the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030 - Eat Real Food
  • Area Eligibility in the Summer Meal Programs (added 26-Feb-2026)
    The Management Bulletin provides guidance on area eligibility in the Summer Meal Programs.
  • California State Meal Mandate (added 26-Feb-2026)
    State meal mandate guidance for local educational agencies and certified nonpublic schools.