Black Raspberry vs. Blackberry: What s the Difference

Although they appear to be the same color, the key distinction between blackberries and black raspberries is the center of these fruits, where the stem is attached.

Black Raspberry vs. Blackberry: How Are They Different?

Blackberries and black raspberries are both delicious, wholesome fruits that often get mistaken for each other. They share a dark, rich purple color and bumpy texture that not many other berries have. Despite their similarities, they’re entirely different fruits.

About Blackberries and Black Raspberries

Blackberries and black raspberries are both members of the genus Rubus, otherwise known as bramble plants. Brambles include raspberries, blackberries, and dewberries. Generally, brambles are thorny, bristly bushes that produce fruit during the summertime.

Surprisingly, blackberries and black raspberries aren’t real berries. They’re “aggregate fruits”. That’s because they’re made of drupelets, or individual nubs, that form together to make one whole “berry.”

Many types of blackberries thrive in mild climates, though some varieties can withstand warmer regions. Black raspberries, otherwise known as blackcaps or bear’s eye raspberries, prefer colder weather.

What Makes Them Different?

In the wild, blackberries and black raspberries can be tough to tell apart. Once you pick the fruit, you may be able to tell what kind it is by looking at the core. A blackberry has a soft white or green center. Black raspberries are hollow on the inside, because they separate from their stem when plucked.

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Blackberries are also larger, shinier, and smoother than black raspberries, which often appear matte with fine hairs over their surface.

Health Benefits of Blackberries vs. Black Raspberries

Both fruits are nutritious. Black raspberries are one of the healthiest berries, packed full of compounds called anthocyanins and antioxidants.

Anthocyanins create the dark purple pigment in the berry and have many health benefits. The antioxidants from these fruits may help protect your body from free-radical damage.‌

While blackberries are higher in natural sugar, they’re also packed to the brim with antioxidants and flavonoids. They offer similar health benefits as other types of berries. Some research has even pointed to blackberries’ potential protective benefits against age-related brain diseases. ‌

Both types of berries are excellent ways to get vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nourishing part of any healthy diet.

Both Berries Have Delicious Flavors

Blackberries are succulent, juicy berries with a tart flavor. The ripest ones are sweet and tangy, while unripe berries can be sour or bitter.

The taste of black raspberries is different from red raspberries and sweeter than blackberries. Many people describe them as having a unique flavor, unlike any other fruit.

You can eat blackberries fresh or use them in jams, jellies, and desserts. Many people enjoy sprinkling them on top of smoothie bowls or yogurt parfaits.

Black raspberries are harder to find, but they’re delicious if you can get your hands on them. The taste of black raspberries goes well with just about anything. You can add them to many of the foods that other berries are used in, such as pies, oatmeal, and jams.

When you’re deciding between black raspberries or blackberries, think about what you plan to do with them. If you’re going to bake a sweet dessert, then either option would work well. But if you plan to eat them fresh, you should consider which of their tastes you’d prefer.

Show Sources

‌American Indian Health and Diet Project: “Foods Indigenous to the Western Hemisphere.”

‌Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: “Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Oregon caneberries,” “The blackberry fruit: a review on its composition and chemistry, metabolism and bioavailability, and health benefits.”

‌Journal of Berry Research: “Black raspberries in cancer clinical trials: Past, present and future.”

‌Missouri Department of Conservation: “Common Blackberry.”

‌National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Antioxidants: In Depth.”

‌University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: “The Blackberry.”

‌University of Idaho: “Growing Raspberries & Blackberries in the Inland Northwest & Intermountain West.”

‌University of Vermont Extension, Department of Plant and Soil Science: “Fruits of Fall,” “Choosing Brambles.”

Black Raspberry vs. Blackberry: What’s the Difference?

Although they appear to be the same color, the key distinction between blackberries and black raspberries is the center of these fruits, where the stem is attached.

Blackberry and black raspberry are two separate fruits; however, a person who is not very familiar with berries will find it difficult to discern one from the other.

• These two fruits are frequently mistaken for one another because they both belong to the same genus and family, Rubus and Rosaceae.
• These two fruits are referred to as “brambles,” which are distinguished by the clustering of tiny fruits (drupelets) together, forming a single fruit.

9 differences between black raspberry and blackberry

Although they appear to be the same color, the key distinction between blackberries and black raspberries is the center of these fruits, where the stem is attached.

1. Comparatively, black raspberries have a hollow center while blackberries have a white part that can be seen on them.
2. Blackberries are grown on plants that grow from three to six meters tall, whereas black raspberries grow on shrubs that reach a height of two to three meters.
3. In blackberries, the stem has a cluster of five or seven leaves, and the flower has five petals. The leaves of a black raspberry shrub are arranged in a pinnate pattern. These are primarily located close to meadows, railroads, trails, etc.
4. Blackberries can be cultivated in wetlands and poor soil. The origin of black raspberry is thought to be North America.
5. Black raspberries can be harvested earlier than blackberries.
6. Compared to blackberries, black raspberries are less valuable commercially.
7. Black raspberries frequently have a matte appearance and small hairs covering their surface, and blackberries are bigger, shinier, and smoother.
8. Typically, blackberries have a sweet flavor. Without any alterations or additions, they can be eaten right from the vine. Blackberries are excellent for preparing desserts even though they can occasionally be somewhat sour. The flavor of black raspberries is fruitier and less sweet. Their flavor is different from blackberries, and they have less sugar than blackberries.
9. Blackberries are a good source of antioxidants like any other berry. However, they might not be suitable for persons with blood sugar problems. Contrarily, black raspberry has three times as many health benefits as blackberry, making it one of the healthiest berries on the planet. They are abundant in fiber and antioxidants and low in sugar. They include anthocyanins and ellagitannins, two groups of phenolic chemicals that are beneficial for the heart and in the treatment of cancer.

QUESTION

What is blackberry?

The blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) is not a real berry but an aggregate fruit made up of several ovaries from one flower. The fruit was labeled as a weed because of the bushes’ unrestrained development in several regions of the world. Blackberries are rich in vitamins, dietary fibers, antioxidants, etc.

What is black raspberry?

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) is not a real berry. Black raspberry is a prime example of an aggregate fruit. The fruit is rich in nutrients, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid, vitamins, and antioxidants.

To improve your health, choose both blackberry and black raspberry.

Berries of all varieties have great health advantages because they are nutrient powerhouses.

• Eight grams of fiber and roughly half of your daily need for vitamin C are present in one cup of blackberries or black raspberries.
• Numerous health benefits, including a decreased risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other digestive disorders, are associated with fiber.
• Additionally, vitamin C aids in the healing and regrowth of all body tissues.
• Antioxidants found in black raspberries can help reduce inflammation. They might lower your cholesterol and delay the onset of heart disease.
• Blackberries’ high manganese content can lower blood pressure, and their vitamin K content may help keep the bones strong.

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Medically Reviewed on 7/13/2022
References

Image Source: iStock image

WebMD. Black Raspberry vs. Blackberry: How Are They Different? https://www.webmd.com/diet/difference-between-black-raspberry-and-blackberry

Kaume L, Howard LR, Devareddy L. The blackberry fruit: a review on its composition and chemistry, metabolism and bioavailability, and health benefits. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jun 13;60(23):5716-27. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf203318p

Kresty LA, Mallery SR, Stoner GD. Black raspberries in cancer clinical trials: Past, present and future. J Berry Res. 2016;6(2):251-261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27594930/

Missouri Department of Conservation. Common Blackberry. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-blackberry

AskIFAS. Blackberry. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/blackberry

Seeram NP, Adams LS, Zhang Y, et al. Blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, red raspberry, and strawberry extracts inhibit growth and stimulate apoptosis of human cancer cells in vitro. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Dec 13;54(25):9329-39.https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf061750g

Weber CA. Genetic Diversity in Black Raspberry Detected by RAPD Markers. HortSci. 2003; 38(2): 269-272. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/38/2/article-p269.xml

Ravoori S, Vadhanam MV, Aqil F, Gupta RC. Inhibition of estrogen-mediated mammary tumorigenesis by blueberry and black raspberry. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jun 6;60(22):5547-55. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf205325p

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How Do Black Raspberries and Blackberries Differ?

Black raspberries and blackberries are sweet, tasty, and nutritious fruits.

Given that they have a similar deep purple color and appearance, many people think they’re different names for the same fruit. However, they’re two distinct fruits.

This article reviews the major differences and similarities between black raspberries and blackberries.

Despite their name, neither fruit is a true berry. Botanically, both are considered aggregate fruits, which are composed of small drupelets, or individual bumps on the fruit. Each drupelet contains a seed.

Among those who grow them, they’re known as caneberry plants, as they grow on woody stems with canes.

Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis L.) are a special variety of the more common red raspberry that’s native to North America. They’re also known as blackcaps, wild black raspberries, or thimbleberries (1).

Most commercially produced black raspberries grow in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. They prefer a cooler climate and are harvested in July. Thus, they’re not as widely available as blackberries ( 2 ).

Blackberries are another member of the Rubus genus or subfamily, so they are like cousins to black raspberries. They grow in many parts of the world, including the United States, Mexico, and Chile, so you should be able to find them as fresh fruit year-round ( 3 ).

summary

Botanically, black raspberries and blackberries are related, but they’re completely different fruits. Black raspberries have a very short growing season, while blackberries are more widely available year-round.

Blackberries and black raspberries are often mistaken for each other due to their similar outward appearances.

It’s hard to tell them apart when they’re on the vine. Blackberries may be thornier than black raspberries, but there are also thornless blackberries.

However, it’s easier to tell the difference after harvesting. Simply look at the side of the fruit where it was plucked from the stem. Black raspberries leave a piece of the inside of the fruit on the stem from which they’re picked, so they have a hollow core.

With blackberries, the entire fruit comes off the stem, so they’ll have a white or green core where they were attached to the stem.

Both are soft, perishable fruits, but because of their hollow core, black raspberries are softer and even more perishable than blackberries.

If you compare them side by side, you’ll also notice that the drupelets of blackberries are smooth and glossy, while raspberries are covered in tiny white hairs.

The two fruits also have a different flavor profile, with blackberries being more tart, while black raspberries are sweeter.

summary

Blackberries and black raspberries are often confused with each other because they look similar. The best way to tell them apart is to check the stem side of the fruit. Black raspberries have a hollow core, tiny hairs, and a sweeter flavor than blackberries.

Regardless of which you pick up at the market, both blackberries and black raspberries are very nutritious. Here is the nutrition data for a 1-cup (140-gram) serving of blackberries and black raspberries, respectively ( 4 , 5 ):

Both fruits are notably low in calories and excellent sources of fiber, which helps regulate your blood sugar levels and digestive tract. A 1-cup (140-gram) serving of either fruit provides more than one-third of the DV for this nutrient for adults.

A serving of either fruit also adds a significant amount of vitamin C to your diet, which is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and connective tissue ( 6 ).

In addition, like other berries, both fruits have health-promoting compounds called polyphenols ( 6 ).

These plant compounds have antioxidant properties, which means they can help protect cells from oxidative damage. In doing so, they help reduce the risk of certain chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes ( 3 , 6 , 7 ).

Anthocyanins are a type of polyphenol that gives blackberries and black raspberries their inky-black color. Both fruits have impressive amounts of anthocyanins, which are linked to healthier blood vessels and may protect cells from mutating and becoming cancerous ( 3 , 6 , 8).

summary

Both fruits are low in calories and excellent sources of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. Eating either can benefit your digestive system and blood vessels and potentially even reduce your risk of cancer.

Both of these berries are delicious when eaten fresh. Because they’re soft fruits and highly perishable, keep them refrigerated and use them within 2–3 days.

Fresh black raspberries and blackberries can add a pop of deep, rich color to a fresh fruit or leafy green salad, work well as a topping on oats or yogurt, or be included in a cheese platter.

Both berries are also available frozen. In fact, because black raspberries have such a short growing season, you might have more luck finding them frozen — or freezing your own.

With frozen berries, you can enjoy their flavor and health benefits any time, as their antioxidants remain intact even when frozen ( 9 ).

If you’re using frozen berries, keep in mind that they will be soft and mushy once they thaw, but they will taste fine. They’re great to use in baking, as a sauce on top of pancakes or waffles, or in smoothies.

Another way to enjoy either fresh or frozen blackberries and black raspberries is to make them into jam and enjoy them all year round. Because they’re more tart, blackberry jam may need a bit of extra sugar, so give it a taste before canning.

summary

Fresh blackberries and black raspberries are highly perishable, so store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few days. Tasty ways to use these berries include adding them to salads, smoothies, and sauces, or using them to make jam.

Even though they look very similar, black raspberries and blackberries are two completely different fruits.

To tell them apart, look for the telltale hole in the bottom. Black raspberries have a hollow core, while blackberries are solid.

Regardless of which one you choose, these fruits have a similar nutritional profile, and they’re packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins.

Incorporating more of them into your diet can have numerous benefits, such as regulating your digestive tract, promoting healthier blood vessels, and reducing your risk of cancer.

Last medically reviewed on March 18, 2020