Berries (blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, raspberries)

➤ When: Berries are at their best from June to August; strawberries may appear a little earlier. In some climates, a second crop of raspberries appears in the fall.

➤ What to Look For: Berries should have a rich color and shiny surface. The sacs of the berry should be firm and plump. Inspect the bottom of the container to see if juice has soaked through. If so, the berries have been crushed. Blueberries are a little different from other berries. They don’t have much of an aroma and should have a solid, dark blue color, a powdery skin, and a firm texture.

➤ Why: Berries are chock-full of antioxidants, which slow aging of the arteries and immune system.

➤ How to Use: Berries are delicious on their own. The variety of colors makes berries a vibrant addition to dishes—in a fruit salad; added with nuts to a green salad; or as a topping for pancakes, French toast, and waffles. They’re used mostly in sweet dishes: pies, jams, sauces, breads, muffins, and cakes. Wonderful salsas, relishes, and chutneys can be made with berries as well. Berries taste great in many ways, including our Double Strawberry Blender Blast (page 192).

This Tip was published in 'Cooking The RealAge Way, Turn Back Your Biological Clock with More Than 80 Delicious and Easy Recipes (MICHAEL F. ROIZEN, M.D. and JOHN LA PUMA, M.D.) - p178'