How To: Storing Fresh-Picked Berries
Today marked this year's first round of black raspberry picking. By the peak of growth, I'll be hauling in 2-3 berry baskets full a morning. For about two weeks, it's a part-time job picking berries!
While it's tempting to gobble them up, I like to store them until I have enough for baking. To safely store for making pies, cobblers, and jams, rinse lightly (wash more thoroughly before using) and put them in a sealable container with a damp (not wet) paper towel. They keep well for about 7-10 days this way—plenty of time for me to gather enough to bake with.
If you'd like to incorporate black raspberries into your practice, focus on the leaves. I haven't found an official grimoire entry anywhere for them, but I use them as having properties somewhere between red raspberries (love, protection) and blackberries (wealth, healing, protection).
What's your first harvest this year?