Can I Eat Blackberries with White Spots?

The appearance of white spots on blackberries is a common phenomenon, often surprising berry pickers and shoppers. Understanding the cause of these spots is crucial for determining if you can eat blackberries with white spots safely. The white spots are typically due to environmental factors and are usually harmless, though sometimes they indicate issues that require caution.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the primary reasons for white spots on blackberries, including sunscald, white drupelet disorder, and insect damage. It clarifies whether these berries are safe to consume, distinguishing between harmless conditions and signs of spoilage. Practical advice is offered for both wild-foraged and store-bought berries.

Key Points

• Sunscald is the most common cause: White or tan spots on blackberries are most often caused by sun exposure and high temperatures, a condition known as white drupelet disorder.

• Sunscalded berries are usually safe: Berries with sunscald are generally safe to consume, though their flavor or texture may be slightly different.

• Check for mold:: Fuzzy, powdery, or slimy white spots indicate mold, which is unsafe to eat and means the berries should be discarded.

• Minor insect damage is okay: White spots caused by insect feeding, such as from stink bugs, are typically safe in small amounts but may affect flavor.

• Trust your senses: Always inspect berries for signs of mold or mushiness before eating. When in doubt, toss it out.

• Handle store-bought berries carefully: Store-bought berries are sorted for appearance, so white spots are less common. Check for mold and use them quickly due to limited shelf life.

• Provide shade for garden berries: If you grow your own, providing some shade during hot, sunny days can prevent sunscald.

Common Causes for White Spots on Blackberries

White spots on blackberries can be caused by several factors, most of which are related to growing conditions rather than a sign of spoilage. Knowing the difference is key to safely enjoying your berries.

Sunscald or White Drupelet Disorder

One of the most frequent reasons for white spots is sunscald, also known as white drupelet disorder. This occurs when the berry’s individual drupelets (the small segments that make up the berry) are exposed to intense sunlight and high temperatures. The ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation can cause the berry to fail to develop its dark pigment, resulting in a white or tan color on the exposed side.

• How it happens: Hot, dry weather conditions, especially early in the season when the plant's canopy is less dense, are prime culprits. Berries that are in direct sun for extended periods are more susceptible.
• Safety: Berries with sunscald are generally safe to eat. While their appearance might be less than perfect, their flavor is often unaffected, or only slightly altered. The berries may be suitable for making jam or cooking if you don't mind the cosmetic imperfections.

Insect Damage

Certain pests can also cause white spots on blackberries. Stink bugs, for instance, have piercing-sucking mouthparts that damage individual drupelets. This feeding can cause the drupelets to remain white or turn tan.

• How it happens: Stink bugs feed on the berries, injecting enzymes that damage the developing fruit. This localized damage is more noticeable in the final stages of ripening.
• Safety: Berries with minor stink bug damage are usually still safe to eat, though the affected drupelets might have a slightly off-flavor or texture. If the damage is extensive or you notice the presence of insects, it is best to discard the berries.

Signs of Mold

While less common than sunscald, mold is a possibility, especially with store-bought berries or berries that have been improperly stored. True mold will look fuzzy or powdery and will spread over time, unlike the permanent discoloration of sunscald.

• How it happens: Mold thrives in cool, damp, and stagnant air, and can grow quickly on fruit that has been bruised or left in a humid environment.
• Safety: If you see fuzzy, white mold on your berries, you should discard them. Mold can produce toxins and is not safe to consume. It is also important to check neighboring berries, as mold spreads easily.

A Comparison of White Spots on Blackberries

Feature	Sunscald (White Drupelet Disorder)	Stink Bug Damage	Mold (Spoilage)
Appearance	White or tan spots, often on the side most exposed to the sun.	Scattered white or tan drupelets, sometimes with tiny puncture marks.	Fuzzy, powdery, or slimy white patches that spread over time.
Texture	Firm, though flavor may be slightly different.	Varies; can be slightly soft or discolored around the affected drupelet.	Soft, mushy, and deteriorates rapidly.
Cause	Excessive heat and direct UV-B light exposure during ripening.	Piercing and feeding by insects like stink bugs.	Fungal growth due to improper storage, humidity, or bruising.
Safety	Generally safe to eat.	Safe in minor cases; avoid if damage is extensive.	UNSAFE. Discard immediately.

How to Tell the Difference

To distinguish between these causes, perform a simple visual and touch inspection. If the white spots are consistently on the same side of the berry and the berry remains firm, it is likely sunscald. If you see scattered white drupelets with small pinprick marks, it's likely insect damage. Any fuzziness, powdery growth, or mushiness indicates mold, and the berry should be thrown away.

Recommendations for Wild-Foraged vs. Store-Bought Blackberries

The approach to dealing with white spots can differ slightly based on where you get your berries.

Wild-Foraged Berries

When foraging for wild blackberries, you have more control over the harvest and a better understanding of the growing conditions.

• Inspect the bush: Notice if the berries are in a particularly sunny or exposed spot. This can confirm sunscald.
• Examine closely: Look for signs of insect activity. While minor damage is okay, significant damage may mean the berries aren't worth the effort.
• Wash thoroughly: Always wash foraged berries to remove any dirt or residue.

Store-Bought Berries

Commercial growers and distributors sort berries to ensure a pristine appearance, so you are less likely to encounter significant white spotting.

• Check before buying: Always check the container for any signs of mold or excess moisture before purchasing.
• Use quickly: Berries in a container can spoil quickly due to poor air circulation. Store them in a single layer and use them soon after purchase to avoid mold growth.

How to Prevent White Spots in Your Garden

If you grow your own blackberries, there are steps you can take to minimize the occurrence of white spots.

• Provide Shade: Consider using a shade cloth over your blackberry bushes during peak heat waves.
• Maintain Bush Health: Prune your bushes to ensure good airflow. A dense canopy can sometimes protect inner berries from direct sun, but can also trap moisture, so balance is key.
• Pest Control: Regularly inspect your plants for pests like stink bugs and address any infestations promptly using organic methods where possible.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you can eat blackberries with white spots depends on the cause of the discoloration. Most commonly, these spots are due to sunscald, a harmless cosmetic issue caused by heat and sun exposure. Berries with sunscald or minor insect damage are generally safe to eat. However, if the spots are fuzzy, powdery, or associated with a mushy texture, it is a sign of mold, and the berries should be discarded for safety. By taking a moment to inspect your berries, you can confidently distinguish between a minor blemish and a real problem, ensuring a safe and delicious snack.

Authoritative source for further reading: Integrated Pest Management at the University of Missouri provides detailed information on various blackberry disorders, including white drupelet syndrome. Off-Colored Drupelets on Blackberries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is white drupelet disorder on blackberries?

White drupelet disorder is a condition where individual segments (drupelets) of the blackberry turn white or tan due to overexposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight, a form of sunburn or sunscald.

Are white spots on blackberries a sign of fungus?

Not necessarily. While white fuzz can be mold, the firm white or tan spots caused by sunscald or insect damage are not a fungus. Always check if the white spots are fuzzy or powdery; if so, it's mold.

Will white spots on blackberries affect the taste?

White spots from sunscald may or may not affect the taste. Some people notice a slight difference, while others do not. Minor insect damage might also cause a subtle flavor change. Mold, however, will significantly affect the taste and is unsafe.

Can I use blackberries with white spots for jam?

Yes, blackberries with white spots from sunscald are perfectly suitable for making jam or cooking. The appearance will not matter once the berries are cooked down, and they are safe to consume.

How can I prevent white spots on my homegrown blackberries?

To prevent sunscald, you can place a shade cloth over your plants during intense summer heat. Ensuring proper air circulation by pruning and monitoring for pests can also help prevent insect damage and mold.

Are store-bought blackberries with white spots still safe?

If store-bought blackberries have white spots, it is most likely from sunscald, and they are usually safe to eat. However, if the spots are fuzzy or the berries are mushy, they are spoiled and should not be eaten.

What should I do if the blackberries are mushy as well as white?

If the blackberries are mushy and have white spots, it is a clear sign of spoilage, likely mold. Discard these berries and inspect the rest of the container for contamination.