As the weather warms up and we transition into the summer season, one of the most anticipated things among fruit lovers is the arrival of fresh berries. These juicy and colourful fruits not only taste amazing, but also offer numerous health benefits that can help us maintain a healthy lifestyle. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the many advantages of incorporating berries into your diet, exploring their nutritional value, and highlighting the ways in which they can contribute to your overall well-being.
The Health Benefits of Berries
Berries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can provide a variety of health benefits. Along with being delicious, they are also low in calories and high in fibre, making them a perfect snack for those trying to maintain a healthy weight. The antioxidants in berries can reduce inflammation in the body, which may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. In addition to this, berries may also contribute to improved brain function and skin health, making them an excellent addition to any diet.
When it comes to specific types of berries, each has its own unique set of benefits.
Strawberries
- High in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants.
- May help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.
Blueberries
- High in vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- May improve heart health and brain function.
Raspberries
- High in fibre and antioxidants.
- May reduce inflammation and improve blood sugar control.
Blackberries
- High in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants.
- May improve brain function and reduce inflammation.
In addition to their many health benefits, berries are also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes. To help you take advantage of the many benefits of these delicious fruits, we have included four easy and tasty berry recipes. We hope you enjoy these recipes and are inspired to incorporate berries into your diet in new and exciting ways!
Berry Smoothie Bowl
This berry smoothie bowl is a perfect breakfast or snack option. To make the smoothie, you will need:
- 1 cup of frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Granola (optional)
- Seeds (optional)
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with whatever you fancy (e.g sliced bananas, granola, seeds and additional berries).
Superfood Berry Salad
This fresh and colourful salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with superfoods and is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. To make this salad, you will need:
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1 cup of kale (or alternative greens of your choice)
- 1 cup of mixed berries (we recommend strawberries, blueberries and raspberries)
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as basil or mint)
For the dressing, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
To assemble the salad, mix together the spinach and kale in a large bowl. Add in the mixed berries, sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, avocado, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Berry Sorbet
This refreshing sorbet is perfect for a hot summer day. To make this sorbet, you will need:
- 4 cups of fresh berries (of your choice)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Mix together the berries, sugar, and water in a blender until smooth. Add in the lemon juice and mix again. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for at least 3 hours. Once frozen, break the mixture into chunks and blend again until smooth. Serve immediately.
Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble
This delicious crumble combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb. To make the filling, you will need:
- 3 cups of sliced strawberries
- 3 cups of sliced rhubarb
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Mix the strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
For the topping, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces) until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle the topping over the filling.
Bake at 190°C/375°F for 45-50 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Keep your berries fresh with a produce bag
Did you know Veggie Saver produce bags are not only great for keeping vegetables fresh for weeks, but berries too? Keep them in their punnets, place them in the bag and ideally keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge!
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