List of Berries

What Classifies as a Berry? 

Botanically, a berry develops from a single flower and then grows from a single ovary, with the seeds fully embedded in pulpy tissue. That explains why tomatoes, grapes, and bananas all qualify for the category, even though we commonly consider them fruits or vegetables. 

In culinary terms, berries are all small, juicy fruits that can be eaten with their skin and seeds. For instance, strawberries and raspberries are, in fact, accessory and aggregate fruits. So even the names of berries that seem to directly indicate their type can be botanically misleading. 

3 Key Types of Berries Explained 

There are 3 key types depending on which part of the flower develops into a small fruit. 

True berries, such as blueberries, kiwis, and grapes, come from a single ovary. 

Aggregate fruits, such as raspberries and blackberries, develop from a cluster of many small fruitlets from separate pistils or carpels. 

Accessory species like strawberries and figs develop their edible, fleshy parts from plant tissues outside the ovary. 

Many aggregate and accessory species are in the family Rosaceae. By contrast, true berries are spread across many unrelated families. 

Grown to Eat vs. Purely Ornamental Berries 

All berries fall into two groups: edible and ornamental species. 

Currants, gooseberries, elderberries, and other edible species are widely grown for their flavor, nutritional value, and vitamin content. Ornamental species are also widely planted for aesthetic value or as privacy screens. 

The most common example of ornamentals is English holly. The red berries on this shrub contain saponins that are toxic to humans and most pets. It’s harmless for birds, though, and it looks great in winter, which is why it’s very widely planted. 

Berries’ Development & Lifespan 

The time of ripening varies greatly across species. For example, raspberries develop fruits in 30-36 days. 

Productive lifespan varies even within one species. For example, different types of blackberry may offer just 1-5 or 40+ productive years. Also, some berry shrubs can be perennial underground and biennial above ground. 

Fruiting periods also vary greatly. Strawberries get ripe in June, blueberries — through midsummer, while blackberries start ripening from late July.