Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

Human Nutrition and Food Management

1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210

Selecting, Storing and Serving Ohio Blueberries, Blackberries and Raspberries

HYG-5511-93

One of the highlights of summer is enjoying the bounty of luscious Ohio berries. July is the peak month for blackberries and raspberries. Blueberries are in season from mid-July through mid-September.

Selection

• Blueberries should be plump and firm with a dark blue color and waxy, silvery "bloom."
• A dull appearance or soft juicy berries means the fruit is old. The berries should be sweet and full flavored. Sweetness varies by variety.
• Raspberries may be red, black, yellow or purple. The red raspberry is the first to ripen, followed by black and then purple and yellow. Some varieties produce two crops a year and are called everbearing or fallbearing.
• Ripe raspberries should be large, bright, shiny, uniform in color and ripeness, attractive, firm and of good quality. Taste varies from tart to sweet depending on the variety and maturity.
• Upon ripening, blackberries become dull-black in color and are just beginning to soften and get sweet. Fruit is medium to large size. The small depression in each drupelet should be well filled. They should be solid and have plump, juicy fruitlets.
• Look for stains on containers which indicate crushed or bruised fruit. The berries should be free of dirt, mold, or decay.
• Contact your county Extension agent, Agriculture or Horticulture, for recommendations on varieties.

Yield

• One pint of berries will provide four to five servings of fresh uncooked fruit.

Storage & Preparation

• Handle fruit gently to avoid bruising. Bruising shortens the life of fruit and contributes to low quality.
• Sort carefully and place berries loosely in a shallow container to allow air circulation and to prevent the berries on top from crushing those underneath.
• Berries are highly perishable. Store immediately in the refrigerator.
• Do not wash berries before refrigerating.
• Store covered containers of berries in a cool, moist area of the refrigerator, such as in the hydrator (vegetable keeper), to help extend the usable life of the fruit. Blackberries and raspberries can be stored one to two days in the refrigerator; blueberries, three to five days.
• To prepare, wash berries gently in cold water. Lift out of water and drain.
• Never soak berries in water.
• Remove berries which are too soft or decayed.
• Serve fresh or in your favorite berry recipe.

Nutrition

All three types of berries are good sources of Vitamin C and also contain small amounts of Vitamin A and calcium.

Serving

• Puree raspberries, sieve out seeds and use as a melba sauce over peaches, ice cream or frozen yogurt.
• Top fresh berries with plain nonfat yogurt and granola for a delicious breakfast, snack or dessert.
• Bake berries into muffins or cobblers.
• To reduce fat in the diet, choose one-crust berry pie recipes over those with two crusts.
• Combine raspberries into a fresh lettuce and mushroom salad. Top with a vinaigrette dressing.
• A few berries go a long way when combined with other fruits in a salad or compote.

Oat 'n Blueberry Scones

1-1/2 cups oat bran

1-1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 cup margarine

2 eggs or 2 egg whites

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon imitation rum extract

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 pint fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease one baking sheet. Mix oat bran, flour, brown sugar and baking soda. Cut in margarine. Beat eggs and beat in honey. Add buttermilk and extracts to egg mixture. Pour into oat bran mixture and stir only until moistened. Stir in blueberries. Drop by tablespoon onto baking sheet. Bake in 400 degrees F oven 25 to 30 minutes. Serve hot. Makes sixteen scones.

For more information on preserving berries, contact your county office of Ohio State University Extension for Home, Yard & Garden Fact Sheets #5343-91, "Basics for Canning Fruit;" #5332-91, "Freezing Fruits;" #5335-91, "Jams, Jellies and Other Fruit Spreads;" and #716, "Home Drying of Foods;" #1422.92, "Growing Blueberries in the Home Garden;" #141.92, "Raspberries for the Backyard Fruit Planting;" #591, "Growing and Using Fruit at Home."

Reviewed by: Lydia C. Medeiros, Specialist, Food and Nutrtion Richard C. Funt, Specialist, Horticulture