The Bounty of Berries: Antioxidants, Vitamins, Fiber & More

Daily Health Tips update for May 30:

Fresh berries do much more than add a burst of color to plain Jane yogurt, boring ice cream and salads.  Packed with fiber, antioxidants and vitamins, berries also add texture and natural sweetness to your food. Perfect for freezing, berries can last up to a year if stored properly. Here’s how to make the most of this season’s crop:

• Buy berries that smell good. Yes, do the sniff test in the market. They should look fresh and be firm. Don’t buy packages with juice-stained bottoms, which indicates that the berries are overripe.
• Store unwashed berries in their original container for up to two days. Before tossing them in the fridge, remove any mushy or moldy berries lingering near the bottom of the container.
• Use the baking sheet trick to freeze berries. Place unwashed berries on a single layer of a wax or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place it in the freezer. After the berries are frozen, transfer to a container suitable for the freezer. Use within 1 year.
• When ready to use them, wash a few at a time in a colander. Pat dry on a paper towel.
• 1 pint of berries yields 1 ½ to 2 cups for cooking.

Source: Simple & Delicious