Did you know berries are best picked early in the morning or in the evening when it's not too hot? Did you know the best berries tend to hide under leaves? And here we've got more tips to share with you.
Types of Berries
Berry Tips
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Fresh Strawberries
Look for plump, brightly colored berries with a strong strawberry fragrance. One pint yields 1-1/2 to 2 cups of sliced or chopped strawberries. Store unwashed and loosely packed in a covered container. For making our 30 Minutes to Homemade Strawberry Jam, choose strawberries that are as ripe as possible. Since there's no cooking, the jam will taste much like the fruit did on the day you picked it.
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Fresh Raspberries
Chose plump fruits that are loosely packed. If too closely packed they may either be too ripe or moldy. Since raspberries are highly perishable, they should not be exposed to the sun or left at room temperature for long periods.
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Fresh Blueberries
Look for blueberries that are firm and plump with a dark blue color and silvery coating. The berries should also be uniform, dry and free from leaves and stems.
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Fresh Berry Care
Wash strawberries, blueberries and raspberries just before using. A quick, gentle rinse in cold water is all that is needed. Some berries – like strawberries – can become waterlogged if exposed too long to water. Gently pat berries with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Freezing Berries
Freeze just-picked berries now for later use. Wash and freeze berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet. When frozen, transfer to freezer-weight plastic bags. Thaw berries at room temperature before crushing. Do not drain off excess juice.
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Easy Strawberry Garnish
Add a special touch to a summer drink or dessert with a strawberry fan garnish. Make 4 lengthwise cuts from the point of a strawberry almost to the stem end with a paring knife. Fan the slices apart, keeping them attached to the stem.
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