Berry Delights

For many of us, berries bring back warm memories of hours spent picking blackberries or blueberries for a special pie or cobbler. Fresh berries can be used in desserts or savory dishes, eaten out of hand, dried, or made into delicious jams, jellies, or preserves to keep or give as gifts. Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are among the most popular berries in the South, with festivals and jubilees throughout the spring and summer months.

Buying and Storing Berries

When buying berries, look closely for soft or moldy fruit. Berries are highly perishable, and should not be exposed to sunlight or kept at room temperature. If stored unwashed and loosely packed (damaged berries discarded) in the refrigerator, they should keep for 2 to 4 days.

Freezing berries is a good way to preserve them for use in baked dishes. Blueberries tend to be a little tougher if washed before freezing, and whole blackberries should be frozen spread on a cookie sheet then transferred to an airtight freezer container. Strawberries may be frozen sliced with or without sugar. Adding sugar will help preserve the color; when using pre-sweetened berries, reduce the amount of sweetener called for in the recipe.

Recipes

Blueberry Buckle
Blueberry Pancakes
Fresh Blueberry Sauce
Blueberry Cheesecake
Blueberry Bread Pudding
Blueberry Lemon Squares
Blueberry-Orange Bread
Blueberry Muffins
Blueberry Nut Bread
Suzy's Raspberry Pie
Skillet Blackberry Cobbler
Blackberry Bars
Blackberry Pie
Blackberry Snack Cake
Blackberry Wine
Easy Raspberry Trifle
Raspberry Cheese Pie
Raspberry Fluff Dessert
Red, White and Blueberry Squares
Strawberry Shortcake Recipes
Easy Strawberry Trifle
Triple Strawberry Delight
Strawberries Romanoff
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Cheesecake Pie with Strawberry Glaze
Strawberry Cake Recipes
Berry Pie Recipes
Special Strawberry Pie
Strawberry Cake
Strawberry Flowers
Strawberry-Spinach Salad
Two-Berry Crisp

Raspberries and Blackberries
More Strawberry Recipes
More Blueberry Recipes