Berries are plentiful, so start picking now

I REFER to Regina Sexton’s ‘Good Food’ article headlined ‘Berry bad year’ (Irish Examiner Weekend, September 3).

Contrary to Regina’s experience of finding very few blackberries, I consider it one of the most bountiful years. I have been encouraging friends to go out and take delight in this versatile fruit.

The hedges are groaning with large, juicy berries which can be used for tarts, crumbles, puddings, scones and jam. Blackberries can be frozen and used later for almost anything that takes one’s fancy.