Blackberries
Blackberries are ripe when they are slightly soft, dull black and very full. They will not ripen after picking. Berries that are red or purple are under ripe and should be left to develop. A ripe berry will detach easily from the stem. Berries may be hidden in the leaves, so gently part the leaves to find them. Berries are fragile, so do not overfill containers.
Once harvested, it is important to refrigerate them as soon as possible to prevent loss of quality or mold. Gently wash blackberries in clean, cold water rinses. I put a thin layer in a colander and rinse and drain until I have all the berries needed for processing. Do not wash the berries until ready to use.
1 quart of berries = 4 cups = 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 lbs (approximately)
Health Benefits: Nutritionists and dietitians say you shouldn't try to buy your antioxidants in a bottle, you should buy them in their natural state. Dark colored fruit are antioxidant rich foods. It is believed they help the body fight cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses. Since most fruits and vegetables do not come with nutrition labels, think dark and deep colors for antioxidant rich foods.
Blueberries
You will find blueberries in different stages of development on the plant. For maximum flavor and sweetness, pick berries that are plump and uniformly blue. Blueberries that have red or green on them are immature and should be left to develop. Blueberries that are fully ripened are higher in antioxidants. They will not ripen once they are picked. Place berries in a shady area once they are picked and do not overfill containers as they are fragile.
Blueberries should be refrigerated as soon as possible after picking. Berries can be stored a week or more. Do not wash until ready to use.
1 pint of blueberries = 2 cups = 3/4 lb (approximately)
Health benefits: Blueberries are listed among the top 20 antioxidant rich foods. They are believed to help reduce the bad cholesterol and protect against heart attack, protect the urinary tract from harmful bacteria and improve eyesight. They are low in calories - 81 calories per cup of fresh blueberries and have significant amounts of fiber, vitamin c and potassium.
Raspberries
Raspberries should be plump and uniformly colored. Raspberries ripen quickly, and do not continue to ripen once picked. They are thin skinned and very fragile. They require immediate refrigeration.
Raspberries have a short shelf life. Keep them refrigerated and dry until ready to use.
1 pint of raspberries = 2/3 to 3/4 lb = 2 cups