Berries 101: How to Pick, Store, and Use Leftover Berries

Let’s talk berries and find out all we need to know, from picking the best ones to storing them. Captivating in color and size, fresh berries make the perfect guilt-free snack. Simply berrylicious! They’re not only tasty but very nutritious as well. Berries are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidant polyphenols, which provide antioxidant protection, cancer protection and helps reduce symptoms of chronic diseases.

Grappling with weight loss, most people tend to veer away or limit most fruits from their diet because of the bad rap of high sugar content. In general, the sweeter or larger the fruit, the more carbs and sugar it contains. If you’re following a keto diet, berries eaten in moderation make a great fruit option. Raw strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries tend to rank lower in total and net carbs than raw blueberries, making them better choices.

Low Carb Keto Fruit Options

1. Raspberries: Half a cup (60 grams) contains 3 grams of carbs.
2. Blackberries: Half a cup (70 grams) contains 4 grams of carbs.
3. Strawberries: Eight medium-sized (100 grams) contain 6 grams of carbs.
4. Blueberries: Half a cup (75 grams) contains 9 grams of carbs.

Tips On How To Pick The Best Berries

• Berries should be evenly and richly colored.
• Try and avoid berries with brown patches or discoloration.
• The size of the berry won’t really affect the taste, although smaller berries can be more flavorful.
• Berries should be firm and plump.
• Give packaged berry container a gentle shake – the berries should move freely in the package.

How To Store Berries

• Remove any mushy or moldy berries.
• Store unwashed berries in a paper-towel-lined basket or bowl in the refrigerator.
• Only wash berries before you plan on using them.
• Berries are very fragile and will spoil easily, so try and eat them as soon as possible after purchase; blueberries can last up to a week.
• To freeze berries for smoothies or to use in baked goods, wash dry, and hull berries. Freeze in a single layer until firm. Then, place and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag.

How to Use Mushy, Bruised, and Leftover Berries

There’s nothing more enjoyable than biting into a fresh, sweet, and plump berry on a hot summer day. Well…not so much on a mushy one. Instead of tossing these seemingly wasted berries, try one of the many creative ways to use and preserve them.

Here are some ways to use those mushy, bruised, and not-so-great-looking leftover berries.

1. 1. Rinse, pat dry, and freeze in a single layer for 8 hours or overnight.
   2. Dry them in a dehydrator or oven to preserve them for later use.
   3. Pickle them so you can use them later in salads, cocktails, sandwiches, or a cheese plate.
   4. Cook them into a jam and can or jar them.
   5. Bake in a pie, cake, or cobbler.
   6. Puree, add some lemon and sugar, then make them into a sauce or syrup.
   7. Blend them for a smoothie, ice cream, or sorbet.
   8. Toss into your water for a spa-like infusion. Or even better, add to your vodka and let it infuse for 3 to 5 days for a nicely balanced fruity flavor.

PS: Still wondering ”Where can I buy berries online?”.  DineMarket’s local suppliers deliver straight to your restaurant or house!