Espigoladors harvests blackberries in Mataró: the fruit that surprises the most

In the streets of Mataró, autumn is brought not only by the typical oranges or olives. This time, trees full of unknown fruit have captivated the attention of about fifteen volunteers who did not hesitate to get to work.

Blackberries, often forgotten or ignored, were the protagonists of a gleaning day on the Camí del Sant Crist. About 80 kilos of this fruit were collected to preserve them and prevent them from ending up in drains or wasted.

The blackberry gleaning on Camí del Sant Crist

A pilot test with clear objectives

The Espigoladors Foundation has organized the third gleaning in Mataró, focused on harvesting blackberries from the trees lining the Camí del Sant Crist, where there are between 65 and 70 blackberry bushes. According to Cristina Cabot, the organization's technician, this action was carried out as a pilot test to assess the quality and uses of this fruit, with the intention of turning it into jam at the organization's workshop.

Why blackberries and not oranges or olives?

Although the Foundation has already collected bitter oranges and olives in previous campaigns, this year the focus was on a less common but abundant and often underused fruit. This initiative responds to the City Council of Mataró’s desire to make use of foods produced in the city and to avoid waste.

Collaboration between organizations, city council, and volunteers

A solidarity chain to recover urban food

The network that connects the Espigoladors Foundation, the Mataró City Council, and various volunteers makes it possible for these often forgotten fruits to have a second life. This collaboration has allowed not only blackberries but also oranges and olives to be collected from urban green areas, turning them into products with local labeling and added value.

Social and environmental benefits

Besides reducing food waste, this initiative helps keep public spaces clean and well-maintained. The fruits that would fall to the ground and dirty streets and cars become ingredients for jams and oils, generating a sustainable social and economic value chain.

The future prospects of gleaning in Mataró

Innovations in the harvesting process

This year, the blackberry gleaning has introduced new techniques such as shaking the trees, similar to olive harvesting. This trial aims to optimize the collection and ensure the best quality fruit for later processing.

Projects growing with municipal support

The Mataró City Council has expressed its desire to continue promoting this kind of projects, where citizen participation and environmental care go hand in hand. The collaboration between different organizations will allow more local and underexploited products to be used each season.

The blackberry gleaning initiative in Mataró not only makes use of a fruit often forgotten but also strengthens social and environmental awareness about the value of urban food. This experience, which adds to the collections of oranges and olives, demonstrates the city's commitment to more responsible management of food resources and its public spaces.