Oldtymestockings

Fruits of the Harvest Stockings

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."  Proverbs 11:30

Everyone loves blackberries!  Tender blackberries picked fresh from the meadows are impossible to resist! Blackberries are native throughout the temperate Northern hemisphere.  Perennial plants by nature, blackberries produce flowers in early spring and late June.  Firm, green berries form shortly thereafter and ripen mid-summer. The green leaves of blackberries make lovely tea.  Blackberry tea is profitable for treating acute diarrhea, inflammation of the mouth and throat and reducing blood sugar levels. To make blackberry tea, allow 1 heaping tablespoon of dried blackberry leaves per cup of boiling water.  Cover and steep 10 minutes.  Strain and add honey or sugar as desired.

God has placed additional health benefits in blackberries. Blackberries are rich in vitamins C, E and K, folic acid, manganese, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid and dietary fibre. Anthocyanocides are powerful antioxidants found in the dark pigment of blackberries.  Studies have shown anthocyanocides effective in reversing cell damage caused by free radicals and beneficial in preventing heart disease, cancer and strokes. Blackberries also contain polyphenol antioxidants.  These compounds have been found to reduce cardiovascular disease, fight cancer and boost metabolism. Blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 5347 per 100 grams, making them a highy ranked ORAC fruit.

Oldtymestockings Blackberry socks are knit in forest green and indigo blue.  Emerald green models the immature berries and green leaves which make such wonderful tea. Blackberries turn a plush, dark blue upon ripening.  Indigo blue captures the radiance of the blackberry.  Mature blackberries have a sweet taste with varying acidity.  Their deletable savour is perfect for pies, tarts and marmalade. We bless God for this delighful fruit!  To God be the glory!