Berry Berry Good

I cannot think of any food group that offers more variety when it comes to color, texture, and flavor than fruit. Fruits are produced by an ovary on a flowering plant and contain at least one seed. Fruits are divided into several groups that include: grapes, citrus, melons, pomes, exotics, stones, and everyone's favorite, berries. Each fruit category has unique properties which set them apart from each other. Berries are unique in that they grow on both vines and bushes, they have thin skins, and tiny seeds which in some cases go virtually unnoticed visually and during consumption. As far as their versatility goes, berries can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Freshly baked pies or as a sauce for a savory main course. These are 5 of my favorite fresh berries.

Photo Courtesy Marcus Spiske (Unsplash)

5. Lingonberries are a predominant staple in Swedish and Norwegian diets. The berries grow in abundance during the warmer summer months. Lingonberries, or "Mountain Cranberries", as they're known, are also found in North America. From Alaska to Canada's Labrador province, they thrive in the mountainous parts of the region. The most popular food containing lingonberries is a jam. These tart berries combined with sugar and water make a delightful spread. Simply combine 2 ¼ cups of berries along with 1 cup each of water and sugar and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam and once thickened follow through with your usual canning steps. Traditionally the jam is spooned on Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal with a pinch of cinnamon.

4. Cranberries are another especially tart berry. They are native to the United States, growing predominantly in the northeastern part of the country. Cranberries grow on vines and are harvested in low water level bogs (swamps). Of course, we all know that cranberry sauce is a staple during Thanksgiving and Christmas time. They can be purchased canned or prepared fresh, my personal preference. The recipe is on the bag and water and sugar or the only other ingredients needed. I love to add some fresh orange zest and ginger. Try this brie bite appetizer recipe. Line muffin tins with puff pastry cut into 4x4 inch squares, top with brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Add a small sprig of rosemary on top and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Great all year.

Photo Courtesy Paul McClanahan (Geo Chef}

3. Blueberries are also native to the U.S. They have a wonderful sweet taste with varying acidity depending on the growing region. They grow mainly in the northern states, from Oregon extending east to Maine. Their peak season for harvesting is very short beginning in early June. Blueberries can be purchased frozen or fresh and the uses are numerous. Jams, jellies, pies, muffins, smoothies, and to top cereals to name a few. Next to peach cobbler, the blueberry version is one of my favorite desserts. In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup each milk, flour, and sugar. Add the mixture to an 8x8 inch butter-lined pan and spread 4 cups of blueberries into the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and enjoy. Oh yeah, don't forget the vanilla ice cream.

2. Raspberries are members of the rose family and display a stunning red color just like their flowered family members. Raspberries are one of the most prized agricultural commodities in the world with Russia leading the way in cultivation and the U.S. coming in a close second. The leaves of this crop also are used to make teas and offer medicinal properties. Use raspberries to make a unique mousse for dessert. Add 1 package of gelatin to a ¼ cup of water and set aside. Puree 4 cups of berries and strain removing all of the seeds. Add ¾ of a cup of sugar and 2 Tbl. lemon juice, add warmed gelatin and whisk. Whip 3 cups of cream to stiff peaks and carefully fold in raspberry mixture. Chill for an hour and serve. Garnish the mousse with the featured fresh berry.

Photo Courtesy Mantra Media (Unsplash)

1. Strawberries are the king of the berry world. Plumb, sweet, tart, juicy, with a pleasing texture on your tongue as you bite into these delectable morsels. They are currently at their peak of flavor and cheaper than the rest of the year. Wild strawberries have a long history going back to Roman times. The garden variety was first cultivated in France in the late 18th century. My dessert recommendation actually has some history to it as well, named after Michael Romanoff owner of the Ritz Carlton in London during the late 1800s. Strawberries Romanoff is simple to make and refreshing. Combine 2 cups sour cream, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup brandy, and 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix well and serve over fresh quartered strawberries. Compliments of Auguste Escoffier.

These delectable morsels will be popping up on bushes and vines beginning in the late spring months. In just about 1 month the harvests will begin. Some tips for the novice gatherer: berries must be fully ripened on the vine before picked. They will not ripen after like a banana does. Make sure they are plump and firm and not over-ripened or moldy. Since they are a somewhat delicate fruit, keep them refrigerated and use them quickly to avoid spoilage, and don't rinse them until using them. This will ensure that their pleasant aroma will stay intact. Unfortunately, I live in the desert and don't get the chance to pick fresh berries but, those of you in California, the Northwestern states, and the Northeast will soon be plucking lots of "berry berry" good berries.