At the farmers market today, I was drawn to the beautiful red and black raspberries.  Their sweet, yet tart, flavor always calls me back for more.  Berries are colorful, fun, festive and dress up any meal.

From breakfast to evening snacks, berries are great served alone or with cereal, yogurt, and salads. Pureed, they’re delicious in smoothies made with yogurt. Drop a few in spritzers made with sparkling water.

Fresh berries, including strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries may spoil quickly, so always check your fruit thoroughly after you get home.  It’s best to store berries by spreading them on a shallow plate or pan, covering with paper towels and then with plastic. When ready to serve, rinse the fruit, drain and gently pat dry.

 To freeze berries, wash and drain them thoroughly, then spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  Place them in the freezer until frozen and then transfer them to a freezer bag. 

Berries are nutrition powerhouses.  They’re low in calories, approximately 50-70 calories per cup, rich in phytochemicals, important “fighters” against cancer and heart disease, and fiber.

What’s your favorite way to eat berries?