Looking for a refreshing and colorful treat as the summer continues? Well, consider adding berries to your shopping list. Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or even raspberries are packed with antioxidants, dietary fibers, and even vitamin C making them nutritional powerhouses and a perfect snack for the hot summer days. MyPlate also states that fruit should be included in a child’s diet, thus summer is perfect for incorporating these nutritional snacks.
When shopping for berries at your local store or famers market, make sure that the containers do not have signs of stains, moisture, or mold. Moreover, berries should be firm, plump, and dry. Listed below are some helpful tips when picking different kinds of berries.
- Strawberries: Choose strawberries that are shiny and firm with bright red color as these berries do not ripen after harvest.
- Blueberries: Choose blueberries that are firm, plump, and dusty blue in color.
- Blackberries: Choose blackberries that are shiny but not leaking.
- Raspberries: Choose raspberries that are fully red as these berries can come in many colors.
- Frozen Berries: Choose bags of frozen fruit that do not have large lumps because this is a sign of defrost. This can be done by shaking the bags first.
Storing your berries is critical in order to keep them fresh. When you get home, you should always check for damaged berries and dispose of them before they can spoil the rest. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries will last longer if stored at high humidity, low air circulation, and in the coldest place in the fridge. This makes produce drawers the most ideal; however, a sealed container will also work. When storing blackberries, keep them uncovered. Most importantly, be sure to eat your berries within three days for the best quality and nutrition!
Lastly, it is critical to understand how to properly prepare berries. You should first rinse the berries in cold water before you serve them. When serving berries to young children be sure to mash them in order to prevent choking. For older children, try adding berries to low-fat yogurt, salads, or even smoothies to easily incorporate these berries into their diet!
No comments:
Post a Comment