As summer draws to a close, so does the season for fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and mulberries, but you don’t have to stop enjoying them. Among the great taste of berries are nutritious reasons to keep them in your diet. Berries are high in the following: Antioxidants- protect against chronic illnesses like heart disease. Fiber-regulate blood sugar and bowel health. Vitamins and minerals (also called micronutrients)-contribute to overall health and well-being.
The simplest, most nutrient retentive way to preserve berries is to freeze them. Remove any stems or leaves. Wash the berries in a colander and let them air dry or pat with a towel.
Optional: Cut berries to your desired size. Place in freezer bags of your desired size and store in the freezer.
Note: if you think the berries might freeze together, quick freeze them before adding to the bag by freezing them in a single layer on a pan and then placing them in a freezer bag when they are frozen as single units.
-Anna Barr, SDSU Dietetic Intern
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