Food for Thought

Berries are round, soft-fleshed, pit-free fruits that burst with sweet and tart flavors.

They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an ideal addition to your diet. But did you know that berries go beyond just your usual strawberries and blueberries? These typical market finds are awesome, but there’s a myriad of berries out there waiting for you to try. 

There are over 20 different berry varieties to check out, if you’re really ready to broaden your berry horizons. For our purposes here, let’s talk about berries that are readily available nearly all year round. Of course they’re better when they’re in season and generally are sold at a better price in season too. 

Let’s kick things off with a popular berry that’s actually not a berry! Let me explain.

In botanical terms, a berry is defined as a “simple fruit with seeds and pulp produced from a single ovary of a single flower.” From this definition, fruits and veggies such as grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelons fall under the berry category.

1. The Strawberry: The strawberry doesn’t. Strawberries are produced by a single flower with more than one ovary, so it’s not a simple, but an aggregate fruit. True berry or not, strawberries are still considered one of the most beloved berries on earth. This sweet, tart, and fragrant summer produce isn’t just delicious but also packed with nutrition. A daily dose of strawberries helps lower blood pressure and inflammation. 
2. Blueberries: Sweet, juicy, and fruity, blueberries are often called nature’s candy. They’re fantastic for snacking, but also a great ingredient for making baked goods and desserts. Besides their awesome taste, blueberries are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They’re also low in fat and packed with vitamins C and K.Some studies even suggest that the anthocyanins in the berry can help promote good eye health.
3. Raspberries: Similar to strawberries, raspberries are another faux berry with a wonderfully tart flavor and tons of nutritional value. There are four varieties of raspberries, namely red, black, golden, and white. 
4. Red raspberries are high in fiber and vitamin C. They’re also scientifically proven to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, certain cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Black raspberries have a high anthocyanin content that can lower cholesterol and inflammation, as well as prevent certain types of cancer. Lastly, golden and white raspberries are an excellent source of antioxidants.
5. Blackberries: Blackberries are another non-berry berry with an incredibly sweet and tart flavor. For many, blackberries are the most delicious of them all. They’re not just tasty, but are super healthy, to boot.They’re packed with tons of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Blackberries are even more nutritious than blueberries, cranberries, and red raspberries.

Maybe you’re looking for some new ways to incorporate berries into your diet. Try our Balsamic Strawberry Salsa -- it is refreshing, juicy, and oh so fresh! Check out our full recipe here: (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/lets-make-this/looking-for-a-refreshing-snack-while-you-are-relaxing-outdoors-this-summer-try-our-balsamic-strawberry-salsa-it-is-refreshing-juicy-and-oh-so-fresh-check-out-our-full-recipe-here?_pos=6&_sid=b09807b57&_ss=r) Or try this Brown Butter Balsamic & Berry Angel Food Cake (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/lets-make-this/brown-butter-balsamic-berry-angel-food-cake?_pos=1&_sid=0bdb8ecea&_ss=r) Look for more recipes on our website, and happy berry season from all of us at Bellisari’s!