Better Berries

 

Of all the fruits that you can bring home to your table, fresh (or frozen) berries may just be the best of the best. They are packed with fiber, Vitamins C and K, potassium, magnesium and on and on and on. "On average, people who eat more berries seems to live a bit longer than those who do not," says Eric Rimm of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Unfortunately, berries can not only be expensive but they are highly perishable. That can be a pretty discouraging combination.

Since berries do have a short shelf-life, locally grown ones will always be your best bet. These days many supermarkets carry local produce so look for it. If you can find locally grown berries in season, buy a lot of them. Freezing does not compromise any of the many health benefits of berries so freeze any that you do not plan to use immediately.

To make berries last longer once you get them home, store them in the refrigerator in a covered container (not the one you brought them home in). Berries soak up moisture like little sponges, so do not rinse them until you are ready to eat them. (If you are freezing them, rinse and air dry them first.) Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and change the towels out when damp. Remove any that develop mold, even a tiny bit. This should allow you to store the berries for up to a week.

Then get creative at finding all sorts of ways to use and enjoy them.