Summer berries are bursting with flavour right now. Follow our easy hints, tips and recipe ideas to help you make the most of the delicious berries on offer this summer.
Berries produce very little waste as you can eat the whole fruit.
Scottish strawberries are in season from May to September, other berries are usually available during June and August.
To make the most of the short season, take the opportunity to pick your own and fill your freezer. A day out at a pick-your-own farm is a great day out for the family and an opportunity to sample the various berries on offer.
Berries are best eaten or frozen within a day or two of picking. Visit www.berryscotland.com to find out where you can buy fruit direct from the grower or pick your own.
Strawberries can be easily grown in a window box or hanging basket. You can buy strawberry plants at your local garden centre.
Storing
Raspberries, loganberries, brambles, tayberries, gooseberries and currants all freeze very well and most can be picked or purchased cheaply at your local berry farm. To freeze, spread out on a baking tray (to stop them sticking together), then transfer to a bag once frozen.
Strawberries are best frozen when covered in a berry puree or when pureed themselves. Whole strawberries can become mushy and watery when frozen.
Traditionally, berries have been preserved by making them into jam.
Store fresh berries in the fridge, but remember to take them out at least 30 minutes before serving to enjoy their flavour at its best.
Berries can be used straight from the freezer in many recipes e.g. cakes, sauces, smoothies.
Portioning
Allow 80g per person for a portion of soft fruit. This is equivalent to:
4 heaped tablespoons of small berries e.g. blackcurrants, blueberries
1 handful of medium-sized berries e.g. blackberries, gooseberries
6 medium sized strawberries
Berries are a tasty way of getting one of your recommended five fruit and vegetable portions a day.
Recipe Ideas
Berries make a delicious and healthy topping for cereal.
Blend frozen berries with a banana, ice cubes and low-fat yoghurt for a nutritious smoothie.
Chopped fresh berries make an ideal snack and are a great addition to lunch boxes.
For an easy fruit salad, just fill a bowl with a selection of your favourite berries and tuck in. For extra flavour try tossing in a syrup flavoured with mint leaves.
Berries are the perfect size for little hands - enjoy on their own or with a dip made from flavoured yoghurt.
Berries are delicious in hot puddings like crumbles, they also make a tasty filling for baked apples.
For a special treat why not add your favourite berries to a pavlova.