Blackberries have been a natural treat for centuries. According to Mrs. M. Grieve in "A Modern Herbal", the ancient Greeks used blackberries as a remedy for gout. Blackberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, and their sweet, slightly tart flavor lends itself especially well as a flavoring for vinegar. Homemade blackberry vinegar is simple to make, and keeps well if closed tightly and refrigerated. Blackberry vinegar uses range from the culinary to the medicinal, though there is no scientific evidence to prove that it contains any curative properties. Using blackberry vinegar is an inexpensive way to add a little zest to your usual meals.
Salad Dressing
Mix together 3 parts blackberry vinegar and one part each of olive oil and honey. Add salt and pepper, and adjust to taste. Some people like sweeter vinaigrette, while others prefer it to be oilier or tarter. Serve over fresh, leafy greens. Natalie, of Natalie's Killer Cuisine, recommends adding a few tablespoons of fresh bacon drippings to your vinaigrette and serving it over arugula and fried goat cheese for a special treat.
Marinating and Cooking
Marinate chicken breasts in blackberry vinegar to tenderize them and give them a tangy sweetness. The longer the chicken breasts soak in the vinegar, the more flavors they will absorb. Grill, bake or pan-fry them after marinating. The enthusiasts at Cooks.com recommend adding a little regular brown gravy to the blackberry vinaigrette and bake the chicken until done.
Colds and Sore Throats
Wash 2 cups of fresh blackberries and place them in a lidded jar with 2 cups of white vinegar. Let them soak for one week, shaking the jar occasionally. Strain them into a saucepan with 1 lb of sugar and 1/2 lb of honey. Bring just to the boil, stir until the sugar and honey have completely dissolved, and cool. Store in a tightly-corked bottle, in a cool dry place. The health website,Old Time Remedies, recommends adding a tablespoon to a cup of hot water to ease the symptoms of sore throats and colds. There is no medical evidence to substantiate therapeutic benefits, but vitamin C is beneficial to those suffering with a cold, and honey has long been used to soothe sore throats.
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