Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)
We are now entering my favorite time of year: berry season. While exploring the Mineral Hills Conservation Area in Northampton, MA this weekend, I noticed ripe black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) for the first time this year. While I enjoy red raspberries and blackberries as well, black raspberries are undoubtedly my favorite. So this was quite the treat for me. Wild raspberries are generally smaller and sweeter than the cultivated varieties. Mature, ripe raspberries will readily separate from their white-coned hulls,…