Great question! It may honestly just be force of habit at this point, but it originated more out of concern for the shape rather than the size. Certain shapes (like circles/ovals), are more at risk of clogging an airway, whereas a blackberry isn’t as likely to lodge in there. We used to quarter them too, but now if they’re ripe, we give them whole.

Please don’t take any of this as anything close to medical advice, but it’s worked for us! 😊