Not only are Summer Market berries delicious, but they’re also incredibly nutritious, and now is the perfect time to buy these fresh little flavour bombs. So expect to get your hands on some of the juiciest, tastiest varieties around, right now.
Types of Berries
When thinking about berries, the most popular types that spring to mind are strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry. And while the Market is full of fresh varieties right now; you might be forgetting the lesser-known types, like goji berries, bilberries, acai berries, and cranberries, most of which you can find in their dried form, all year around.
Did you know there are over 400 different types of berries ranging from white to black, purple and yellow? And despite the fact there are so many varieties, they all have a tart but sweet taste that changes through the season and makes them so satisfying to eat.
Health Benefits of Berries
Berries are probably the healthiest fruits you can enjoy; high in nutrition yet low in calories and sugar.
They’re loaded with antioxidants (blueberries, blackberries and raspberries have the highest level of antioxidants) that can help protect your cells from damage.
They can also help improve your blood sugar, increase your fibre intake, and provide almost half of your daily recommended vitamin C.
Berries have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help your body fight against disease and may decrease your risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Lastly, many believe berries can help give your skin a healthy glow and significantly lower cholesterol levels.
How to Store Berries
We called upon some of our expert Traders to share their best tips for storing berries to ensure you get the most out of them.
John from Pino’s Fine Produce said “Keep your berries in the fridge and you can get quite a while out of good fruit.
“Raspberries should last 10 days if you buy them light and firm. Strawberries should last at least one week, and firm Blueberries can last up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge.”
Cameron from Damian Pike’s Mushrooms said “Make sure to store your berries in a container, flat in the fridge. Try not to tip them up to avoid bruising or damaging the fruit.
“I always say that it is best to take the berries out of the fridge 1-2 hours before eating so they have the best flavour.”
Local Victorian Berries
Buying local fresh berries has never been easier. Cameron from Damian’s Mushrooms told us “Blackberries and raspberries are great this season, and there are plenty of strawberries from the Yarra Valley, the Peninsula and the Dandenongs.
“Blueberries from Gippsland are expected by the end of January and they are top quality. We get ours from a grower who breeds them for other growers. Think big and juicy, and then as the season goes on, they get smaller with a more intense flavour.”
John from Pino’s Fine Produce said “We have all Victorian berries in January. They are so tasty and our growers produce such lovely varieties.”
Recipe Ideas with Berries
Marjorie from Paddlewheel has shared with us some of her favourite ways to enjoy berries this summer.
“The strawberries and blackberries are so good that I don’t do anything with them other than eat them on their own…although stewed strawberries with rhubarb is utterly delicious,” she said.
Margery also suggested that “If you want to add something to fresh berries, then try pairing them with crème fraiche for a refreshing summer snack. Of, if you’re looking for something more indulgent, add berries to your ice cream and top with a chocolate ganache.”
John at Pino’s Fine Produce has a money-saving tip. “Speak to your Trader about overripe berries. They are ideal for baking and making jams. They are cheaper but just as delicious.”
Some other ideas for berries are:
- Add to savoury salads
- Blend in smoothies
- Set in a fruity jelly
- Stew for a delicious sauce to accompany your meat
- Add to classic desserts like trifles
We’ve listed our favourite berry recipes below, but be sure to scroll through our full recipe collection for more ideas with berries:
