What Are the Little Seeds in Blackberries Called?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Botanically, a blackberry is not a true berry but an aggregate fruit composed of tiny clusters called drupelets, with each drupelet containing a single seed. So, what are the little seeds in blackberries? The small, hard seeds are contained within each of these individual fruit spheres.

Quick Summary

The small seeds are contained within a blackberry's individual drupelets. These tiny but edible seeds contribute to the fruit's fiber content and are a source of beneficial nutrients, including omega fatty acids and antioxidants.

Key Points

Drupelets: The small, individual sections of a blackberry are called drupelets, and each contains a single seed.
Nutrient-Rich Seeds: Blackberry seeds are a source of beneficial compounds, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.
Safe to Eat: Swallowing blackberry seeds is harmless, as they are not poisonous and largely pass through the digestive system undigested.
Digestive Benefits: The fiber content in the seeds acts as a natural roughage that supports gut health.
Commercial Use: Blackberries seeds are processed into oils and powders for use in cosmetic products, supplements, and other functional foods.
Aggregate Fruit: Blackberries are botanically classified as aggregate fruits, composed of many drupelets from a single flower.

Unpacking the Blackberry: The Anatomy of an Aggregate Fruit

Unlike true berries, a blackberry is an aggregate fruit made up of many small, individual sections called drupelets. Each drupelet develops around a single, small, hard seed, also known as a pyrene. These drupelets are attached to a central core, or receptacle. When you pick a ripe blackberry, the receptacle comes off with the fruit, which is a key difference from raspberries. This structure is why you find so many seeds in a blackberry.

The Nutritional Powerhouse Hidden in Blackberry Seeds

Blackberry seeds, though tough and small, are nutritionally valuable and contribute to the fruit's dietary fiber. They contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, important for metabolism and immune function. The seeds are also rich in potent antioxidants like polyphenols and ellagic acid, which help combat oxidative stress. The antioxidant levels in blackberry seeds can be comparable to or higher than those in other berry seeds. Additionally, the seeds contain proteins with antioxidant properties.

Common Culinary Uses and Considerations

While often eaten with the fruit, blackberry seeds are also processed into oil or flour, particularly after juice extraction. Blackberry seed oil is utilized in cosmetics for its moisturizing and antioxidant effects. Ground seeds can serve as a natural exfoliant. Seed powder, rich in fiber and polyphenols, is used in nutritional supplements and to enhance the nutritional value of foods. For smooth products like jams, seeds are often strained out.

Blackberry vs. Raspberry: A Comparison of Their Seeds and Structure

Both blackberries and raspberries are aggregate fruits from the Rubus genus but have structural differences:


Feature	Blackberry	Raspberry
Botanical Structure	Drupelets attached to a central receptacle.	Drupelets detach from the receptacle.
Picking Experience	Receptacle comes off with the fruit (solid center).	Receptacle stays on the plant (hollow center).
Seed Size	Often perceived as having larger seeds.	Seeds can be smaller.
Digestibility	Largely indigestible.	Mostly indigestible.
Seed Content	High in antioxidants and fatty acids, including ellagic acid.	High in antioxidants and fatty acids, including ellagic acid.

Edibility and Digestive Considerations

Blackberry seeds are safe to eat and a normal part of the fruit. They do not contain harmful compounds like amygdalin found in some fruit pits. While consuming large amounts might cause mild digestive discomfort due to insoluble fiber, the fiber is generally beneficial for gut health. The seeds primarily pass through the digestive system undigested.

The Importance of Blackberry Seeds in Research

Blackberry seeds are subjects of scientific research, investigating their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties through extracts and flour. Utilizing seed byproducts from blackberry processing helps maximize resources. The phytochemicals in seeds make them promising for nutraceuticals and functional foods. Research, such as studies found on the National Institutes of Health website, supports the health benefits of consuming the entire fruit.

Conclusion

The small, hard components within blackberries are seeds, located inside the individual drupelets that make up this aggregate fruit. These seeds are safe to consume and are a valuable source of nutrients like omega fatty acids and potent antioxidants. They contribute significantly to the fruit's fiber content and are increasingly utilized in commercial products and scientific research. Enjoying blackberries, seeds and all, offers the full spectrum of their health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The individual, small, fleshy segments that make up a blackberry are called drupelets.

Yes, blackberry seeds are perfectly safe to eat. They are not poisonous and are a normal part of the fruit.

Yes, the seeds are a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants like ellagic acid, and dietary fiber.

Blackberry seeds are largely indigestible due to their hard outer coating and will typically pass through the digestive system unchanged.

A key difference is that when a blackberry is picked, the central white core stays with the fruit, whereas with a raspberry, the fruit detaches, leaving the core on the plant.

Beyond being eaten whole, blackberry seeds can be pressed for oil used in cosmetics or ground into flour for use in supplements and functional foods.

For most people, swallowing a large number of seeds is harmless. Some may experience mild digestive discomfort, but the seeds will simply pass through the body.