Berries
Flavour Profile
A balance of bright sweetness and sharp acidity. Strawberries offer a floral sweetness, blueberries are earthy and mild, while raspberries and blackberries bring a tart, punchy tang.
Health Benefits
You get plenty of vitamin C for the immune system, and manganese to help your cells fight off stress and get energy from your food. But the real stars here are the plant compounds that give berries their deep colour. Think of them as tiny health shields.
Buying Tips
Choose berries that are firm, plump and dry. If you see a single mouldy berry in a punnet, put it back; the invisible spores have likely already colonised the rest.
Avoid berries that look dull or have juice stains on the bottom of the carton, as they are already breaking down.
Storage
Berries are basically sponges. Only wash them right before you're about to eat them.
If you wash them and put them back in the fridge, the extra moisture will turn them into mush within hours. Keep them in a breathable container in the fridge to let air circulate.
Cooking Uses
Use them fresh for the most vibrant flavour. If they are slightly past their prime, cook them down with a splash of water and a little sugar to make a quick compote or coulis.
Frozen berries are perfect for smoothies or baking, but don't expect them to hold their shape once thawed.
Forkin' Food Theory
Salt is the secret weapon for berries.
Just as a pinch of salt enhances chocolate, it also suppresses the perception of bitterness and heightens the natural sugars in fruit.
A tiny sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of balsamic vinegar on a strawberry won't make it taste savoury; it will make it taste more like a strawberry than ever before.