Berries are also a wonderful recipe ingredient, making a salad, dessert or breakfast roll come to life. Berries pack a nutritional punch, too, adding beneficial vitamins, fiber and antioxidants without adding fat or too many calories. Our advice: use berries in recipes whenever possible.
Special wow! Watch this video on how to make luscious Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.
Buying Berries
- Visit a berry farm to pick them during the peak of the season.
- In the store, look for berries that are plump, firm and colorful, turning berry cartons over to check for moldy or mushy berries before you buy.
- Berries perish quickly; purchase them when you plan to use them.
Storing Berries
- Wait until you use the berries to wash them. Unwashed berries stay fresh longer.
- Store berries loosely covered in the refrigerator for no more than two days.
- If you can’t use the berries right away, freeze them or make a puree or sauce that will keep longer.
Freezing Berries to Use Later
- Wash and dry berries, removing stems and leaves.
- Arrange berries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze overnight.
- Transfer frozen berries to an airtight freezer bag or container; freeze for up to a year.
Preparing Berries to Use in Recipes
- Wash berries with cold water in a colander; drain well.
- Allow to air dry, or pat dry with a paper towel.
- Remove stems and leaves with a hulling tool or paring knife.
Berry Breakfast Recipes
Berries are an ideal way to start the day. Try some of our favorite breakfast recipes that feature berries:
Beautiful Berry Desserts
Desserts with berries are impressively delicious! Try one of these dessert recipes for an after-dinner wow:
The Betty Crocker Store has a large selection of great cookbooks, like this one that’s loaded with recipes for jams and preserves!