Is there any season better than berry season? I think not! Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are some of my favorite fruits to keep stocked during summer months. Last week I visited Whole Foods Market to get a few of my questions answered about how to pick the best basket of berries and of course how to make them last longer once I get them home. Nothing is worse than wilted berries!
I'm also sharing the recipe for the Mixed Berry Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette that I posted on Instagram last week. (Looks like you like berries too) And last but certainly not least; Whole Foods is giving one Freutcake reader a $75 give card! You can buy a whole lot of berries with that my friends.
Berry Buying Tips:
Strawberries
Look for firm, dry berries with fresh green caps attached.
Blueberries
Look for firm, dry, plump berries with a subtle, whitish bloom. The "bloom" is a completely natural part of the berries’ defense mechanism and helps protect them from harsh sun rays.
Raspberries
Look for plump, dry and even-colored berries throughout the package. Of all the berries, raspberries are the most delicate, so enjoy them soon after purchase!
Blackberries
Look for well-shaped, plump blackberries with deep color and a nice sheen.
Storage, Cleaning & More Tips:
1. When buying raspberries, blueberries or blackberries; check that the paper liner in the bottom of the berry basket is dry. If it's wet, the berries are not as fresh and will not last as long once you get them home.
2. Never wash your berries before storing the fridge. Wait until right before you eat them to give them a good rinse.
3. Always store berries in the refrigerator. They will last longer.
4. When buying strawberries, steer clear of berries that have pick or whitish spots around the stem. These berries were picked too early and will not be as ripe or sweet.
5. If you see a berry that is soft, wet or developing mold, remove it from the basket. This will prevent the other berries from turning as well.
Mixed Berry Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Champagne Vinaigrette
1 small shallot minced
2 Tbsp champagne vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup canola oil
salt & pepper
Directions:
1. Whisk or shake in mason jar to combine all ingredients and set aside.
Mixed Berry Salad
¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup mixed organic seasonal berries, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries
4 ounces mild goat cheese, crumbled
Mixed field greens or baby kale mix
Champagne vinaigrette
Directions:
1. Wash berries and slice strawberries into bite sized pieces.
2. Toss greens with vinaigrette to taste and top with berries, pecans and goat cheese.
photos by Leah Bergman
Whole Foods Giveaway:
Here's how to enter...
1. Follow Freutcake on Instagram
2. Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite way to use summer berries. Simple!
Please Note: Entries must be posted by this Friday, July 12th by 8 am PST. One winner will be chosen at random and announced same day. Giveaway limited to US Residents only and valued at $75. COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. Congratulations to our winner sundaymorningsugar.
Jewel at Eat.Drink.Shop.Love says
I love making fruit parfaits!
kelsey says
mm! i have some delicious raspberries around, may have to try this!
Gaby [The Vault Files] says
Looks delicious! I love berries on salads!
Emily C. says
My favorite way to use berries in the summer is in refreshing morning smoothies or oatmeal!
Alyssa Longobucco says
There's nothing better than berries in salads, especially in summer. So yummy!
Elle Belle says
My new favorite way to use summer berries is to purée them and make popsicles!
mommymoxie says
Fresh berries are the best on top of homemade ice cream. We smash them just a little to let those juices flow...yum!
Lynn @ The Actor's Diet says
I make a no-bake Strawberry Icebox Cake w Cool Whip and Graham Crackers that is super easy and is always a huge hit.
Aubrey Hubbell says
Berry Protein Shakes! I can't wait to make this berry salad! It looks and sounds incredible! Thanks for sharing'
Judy says
I use berries for granola or pies!
sundaymorningsugar says
This may be boring but when strawberries are in season there's nothing better than just eating them straight out of the box. A fresh strawberry is so perfect all by itself!!!!
Brynn says
My favorite is berries with homemade whipped cream!
Simone Anne says
Yummy! Looks so delicious. I love them on a good pavlova. Or with whipped cream. Or just plain. Really, they're all delicious any way you use them! haha.
Sharona says
In pie! Or plain in a fruit salad!
Mayra Andrade says
I Love to make Strawberry cupcakes:)
Kim W says
I like to eat berries with frozen yogurt!
Chelsea says
YUM! It's decided Leah, you're moving in with me and cooking all of my meals. I'll pay you in compliments lol
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
Lauren Cooper says
I love topping Greek yogurt with some fresh berries and agave syrup! Yum!
Callie McLean says
Following on Instagram! Smoothies are my favorite, refreshing way to use delicious berries 🙂
Sarah Slaton says
My most favorite way would probably be in a good, cold smoothie on a hot summer's day.. but I also love to throw them in muffins & to top off a light fruit pizza! The possibilities are endless. 😉
B + W Lucas says
Summer berry salads are my favorite! My favorite strawberry concoction is definitely my mother in law's amazing strawberry lemonade. We could drink it ALL day!!
Jen says
I love having fresh berries as a mid day snack at work!
Lauren says
i love eating berries with some fresh whipped cream. i just found a recipe for a moscato sabayon i'm dying to try with berries as well.
Rosie says
My favorite way is to make smoothies! I adore them!!! with all kinds of berries!!!! yum
Sara/matchboxkitchen (@MatchboxKitchen) says
I love making pavlovas with berries!
Lydia H says
A berry crisp!
Planning for Paris says
In the new Martha issue, there was an insert that had a no bake cheesecake that is seriously amazing with some fresh strawberries!! Just whipped cream would also be amazing!
Erin
planning4paris.wordpress.com
Anna @ IHOD says
This sounds perfect! dying to try it!
jess {creativeindex} says
I love berries in my salad!
Or strawberry shortcake, my fave summer dessert!! yum! 🙂
Wing says
i like to make summer berry fruit tartlets, with my berries, so delicious with butter pastry shell and mascarpone!