What Are the Sweetest Kinds of Blackberries?

Loganberries

• Loganberries grow on an upright blackberry bramble, which makes them a pleasure to pick because their is no stooping involved. They can be grown in traditional rows on a farm, or they may have "gone native", growing wild along fence rows or at the edge of woodlands. The berries are large, easily the size of a woman's thumb, and long in shape. Smothered in fresh cream, they make purple swirly trails of sweet delight. Some people do not consider them to be a true blackberry, as they are said to have resulted from a blackberry/raspberry cross.

Ouachita Blackberry and Navajo Blackberry

• Blackberries are not native to the United States; but they spread rapidly from plants brought from Europe. Several species offered by seed companies have been given names of native American tribes. The Ouachita and Navaho, offered by Gurney are both listed as being naturally sweet, needing no added sugar. The Ouachita's have the added benefit of being thornless--an attribute that can be appreciated by any berry enthusiast who has battled ticks, chiggers and pricks to pick berries.

Dewberries

• Dewberries are a naturalized berry that grow wild in the fields of Missouri. They are not quite as sweet as their cousins that grow on upright canes, nor as large; but they have a clear, bright blackberry flavor that is just a bit tart rather than truly sour. Dewberries are an excellent choice for cobblers, pies or clandestine snacking.

Vine-Ripened

• For blackberries to have their maximum sweetness and flavor, growing conditions must be just right. Too much rain will impart a watery taste, too much sun will dry them on the vine. The plants need to grow on a mineral rich soil. Blackberries spring up in the burned-out areas after forest fires. The slightly acidic soil topped with ash creates a "just right" growing medium for a good bramble patch. Gardeners can create a similar soil by using a slightly acid mulch with a side dressing of wood ash.