fruits that look like blackberries

Introduction 

Have you ever picked what you thought was a blackberry, only to find out later it was something completely different? fruits that look like blackberries are one of the most loved berries across the world, but they have a lot of doppelgängers. From mulberries growing on trees to boysenberries and dewberries spreading across the ground, many fruits share that dark, clustered, berry-like appearance. At first glance, they can fool even experienced foragers.

click in link fruits that look like bananas

The reason so many fruits resemble blackberries is because they belong to the same plant family or are hybrids created through cross-breeding. While they may look similar, each one has unique qualities in terms of taste, texture, nutritional value, and even how they grow. Some are tart, others are sweet, and a few are even considered medicinal. Learning about these look-alike fruits is not only fun but also important—especially for foragers—since not every berry you see is safe to eat.

Let’s dive into the most common fruits that look like blackberries and how to identify them correctly.

Mulberries – The Closest Look-Alike

If there’s one fruit that could pass for a blackberry at first glance, it’s the mulberry. Mulberries grow on trees rather than bushes, and they hang down like clusters of little black jewels. They can be black, red, or even white depending on the variety, but the black mulberry looks almost identical to a blackberry.

One way to tell them apart is by looking at where they grow. Blackberries come from thorny canes close to the ground, while mulberries dangle from branches like long teardrops. Mulberries are also softer and more fragile, staining fingers and clothes easily when picked.

In terms of taste, mulberries are usually sweeter than blackberries and less tart. They also have a higher sugar content, making them perfect for jams, wines, and desserts. Nutritionally, they’re rich in vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants that boost immunity and fight free radicals.

So, while mulberries might trick your eyes, your taste buds will quickly tell you they’re different.

Black Raspberries – Often Confused with Blackberries

Black raspberries are another fruit that can easily be mistaken for blackberries. They’re smaller, rounder, and grow in clusters just like their darker cousins. At first glance, you might think they’re simply small blackberries, but there’s a big difference once you take a closer look.

The easiest way to identify them is by checking the inside of the fruit. When you pick a black raspberry, it leaves behind a hollow core, much like a red raspberry does. Blackberries, on the other hand, have a solid core inside. This is the biggest visual clue to separate the two.

Flavor-wise, black raspberries are less juicy but packed with intense sweetness and earthy undertones. They’re also one of the most antioxidant-rich berries out there, believed to have cancer-fighting properties. That’s why they’re often used in health supplements and natural remedies.

click in link fruits that look like bananas

If you’re making pies, jams, or smoothies, black raspberries add a stronger, more concentrated flavor compared to blackberries. But unless you know the hollow-core trick, you might mistake them for each other in the wild.

Boysenberries – A Hybrid Berry

Boysenberries are a fascinating fruit because they’re not naturally occurring but a hybrid of blackberries, raspberries, and loganberries. Thanks to this unique mix, they look strikingly similar to blackberries, though they’re usually larger and more elongated.

Their dark maroon-purple color makes them look like oversized blackberries, but once you bite into one, you’ll notice the difference. Boysenberries are less tart and have a sweeter, tangier flavor with a hint of floral notes. Many people describe them as a perfect blend between blackberry richness and raspberry brightness.

They were first cultivated in California in the 1920s and became popular in pies, jams, and syrups. Although they aren’t as commonly grown today, boysenberries remain a sought-after treat for berry lovers.

So if you ever come across a “giant blackberry,” chances are it might be a boysenberry instead.

Marionberries – The King of Blackberry Hybrids

Marionberries are another blackberry hybrid, developed in Oregon. They’re sometimes referred to as the “Cabernet of Blackberries” because of their complex, rich flavor. At first glance, marionberries look exactly like blackberries, but they’re slightly longer and more cylindrical.

These berries have a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them ideal for baking, winemaking, and even sauces. Their deep purple-black color also makes them look especially appetizing. While they’re technically a type of blackberry, their flavor is often considered superior.

Oregon produces most of the world’s marionberries, and they’ve become such a staple there that you’ll find marionberry pies, jams, and even ice creams across the state. If you’re ever in the Pacific Northwest, tasting a marionberry dessert is a must.

click in link fruits that look like bananas

FAQs

1. What fruit is most often mistaken for blackberries?
   The most common fruits mistaken for blackberries are mulberries and black raspberries. Both have a very similar clustered appearance, but mulberries grow on trees and black raspberries have a hollow core, unlike blackberries.
2. Are mulberries and blackberries the same?
   No, they’re different fruits. Blackberries grow on thorny bushes close to the ground, while mulberries grow on tall trees. Mulberries are usually sweeter and juicier, whereas blackberries have a more balanced sweet-tart flavor.
3. Can you eat raw elderberries that look like blackberries?
   No, raw elderberries should not be eaten because they contain toxic compounds that can cause nausea or other health issues. They must be cooked first to make them safe for consumption in jams, syrups, or wines.
4. What is the sweetest blackberry look-alike?
   Mulberries and boysenberries are considered the sweetest among blackberry look-alikes. They have a higher sugar content, making them perfect for desserts and snacking.
5. Which blackberry hybrid is best for home gardens?
   Marionberries and loganberries are popular choices for home gardens. They’re hardy, flavorful, and relatively easy to grow in suitable climates.