Blackberries and black raspberries. Two berries that look awfully similar, but if they were the same thing, they would have two different names. For this reason, it’s important to understand more about a black raspberry vs a blackberry. While the short answer is that black raspberries have a hollow core and tend to be smaller, there’s a lot more to it than that.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about the differences between these two popular berries. Learn more below.
What Is a Blackberry?
Blackberries are small fruits that you can eat and enjoy due to their sweet/tart flavors. They belong to the Rosaceae family in the Rubus genus and grow on prickly stems.
You’ll find that blackberries grow in clusters, which makes them easy to pick. Blackberries are also loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, iron, and plenty of antioxidants. Plus, they tend to taste great.
What Is a Black Raspberry?
Black raspberries are small black fruits that grow on brambles. These berries begin their life as red berries and then turn white, red, and dark purple later on.
The berry belongs to the genus Rubus and the Roseaceaefamily, so similar to blackberries in these ways. The berries are known for their sweet flavor, but also for their nutrients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and ellagic acid.
Black Raspberry vs Blackberry: Key Differences
Once you know a little bit about blackberries and black raspberries, you can start to tackle the differences. For example, blackberries and black raspberries taste different, grow differently, and even look different.
Learn more about the key differences below.
Black Raspberry vs Blackberry Appearance
When it comes to their appearance, blackberries and black raspberries are noticeably different. You’ll find that black raspberries have a hollow core and that sometimes they don’t stay together or fall apart in your hand once you pick them. Black raspberries also tend to be smaller than blackberries, although very similar in color and texture.
Blackberries, on the other hand, are larger than raspberries and don’t have a hollow core. Instead, they stay together when you pick them, which makes them a little easier to pick, eat, and cook with.
Black Raspberry vs Blackberry Flavor
Black raspberries and blackberries have different flavors. Whether you plan on buying a specific flavor of candy or cooking with them, knowing this key difference can save you from ending up with a flavor combination you hate.
Blackberries have a flavor that’s both sweet and tart. While it’s a little sweet, it’s followed by a tartness that’s overpowering for some people, especially with all the juice they have. On the other hand, black raspberries are sweeter and less juicy than blackberries.
Black Raspberry vs Blackberry Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition, you’ll find that blackberries and black raspberries are fairly similar. Both berries are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, black raspberries tend to be some of the healthiest fruits around due to the anthocyanins they contain, which can help with free radicals.
On the other hand, blackberries are also healthy, but they do tend to be higher in sugar. Calorie-wise, though, black raspberries and blackberries are similar. Blackberries have 43 calories per 100 grams, and black raspberries have 52 calories per 100 grams. Overall, both options are a healthy choice.
Black Raspberry vs Blackberry Bushes
The bushes of each berry are also different. While they may grow in similar areas and sometimes intertwine with each other, they’re far from the same. Black raspberry bushes, for example, don’t have as many thorns as blackberries. Black raspberry bush canes also tend to be stiff and prickly.
On the other hand, blackberries tend to be taller than raspberries. They also have thicker canes that have red canes that have a lot of pointy thorns. Therefore, if you’re picking blackberries and black raspberries and prick your fingers, you’re likely picking blackberries.
An End to the Black Raspberry vs Blackberry Debate
Black raspberries and blackberries are similar fruits, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. You’ll notice a lot of key differences, ranging from their size to their flavor.
While that’s all for our black raspberry vs blackberry debate, if you want to learn even more about these berries, why not plant them for yourself?
With resources like Best Blackberry Bushes, you never have to worry about the quality of the bush. What’s more, you’ll find plenty of different options to choose from that help you find the perfect berry for your needs.