Sensational Summer Berries

     It is summer time and that means fresh eating. One way to enjoy more nutritious and delicious summer foods is to include more sensational summer berries! Berries encompass tantalizing tastes for everyone to enjoy from tart blackberries to sweet blueberries; there is a berry for everyone. These nutritional powerhouses deserve a place in everyone’s diet because they can aid in disease prevention.

     Blueberries are a great choice because they are a sweet summertime treat that is a good source of fiber and vitamin C and loaded with phytonutrients which can help ward off diseases like heart disease and cancer.  Select firm, plump blueberries with uniform size.  Add some frozen blueberries to a smoothie or top your favorite yogurt with fresh blueberries for a quick snack.

     Blackberries are another sensational summer berry to include in your daily fruit consumption. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. One cup of blackberries has 7 grams of dietary fiber which helps support a healthy gut. Blackberries are also full of phytonutrients like anthocyanin, which gives the berry its dark color.

     Raspberries are high in fiber and vitamin C and can come in several colors like red, black and golden. Choose dry, plump raspberries and avoid washing until you are ready to eat them. Need a fun way to get more raspberries in your diet? Make a fruit salsa with raspberries to top grilled fish or make raspberries the sweet topping on your light summer salad.

     Strawberries are one of the top favored fruits among children and adults. They are high in folate and vitamin C. Strawberries are increasingly found all year round, however, they are in peak season in the summer months. Choose bright red, shiny, medium-sized strawberries; they tend to be more flavorful than larger ones.

 

Enjoy the little berries in life!

 

Mankato Riverfront Hy-Vee HealthLetter: Holly Ellison, RD, LD

Use some of these amazing berries to make Bizzy Lizzy Flourless Muffins

1 Bizzy Lizzy Flourless Muffin Mix

2 cups of berries

1/4 cup of butter or oil

3/4 cup milk or juice

Follow Directions on Package to Mix

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