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"Diana, just a quick heads up to let you know we are still using your cookbook and the guys will often be heard saying what would Diana say about this or that....really good feed back... I made your potato salad and the oriental coleslaw on Sat. for a family luncheon and had rave reviews so thanks again."
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Raspberries: health benefits and buying, storing and eating tips.
BC raspberries are in season from early July until September. Not only are raspberries a delicious sweet burst of flavour, they are also packed full of nutrients. There are several types of raspberries, most are red but they can also be found in yellow and black. Their size can vary from that of a cherry pit to a large grape. They are super easy to grow, in fact they can be slightly invasive so you need to keep pulling up the stray shoots.
Nutrition: Raspberries are one of the highest fibre fruits with 4g of fibre per ½ cup serving and only 34 kcal. They are also full of antioxidants, including ellagic acid which has anti-cancer properties and anthocyanins that, like in cranberries have anti-bacterial properties. They also contain the phytonutrient lutein which may help reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Raspberries are also a good source of vitamin C, folate and potassium. The darker the berry the more antioxidants the berry has.
Buying: when choosing your raspberries at the store, look for dry berries that are not stuck together. Raspberries are very fragile which makes them especially perishable. They should be firm not soft and can vary in size. Frozen raspberries are available all year round. Check for packages with berries that are not clumped together. Loose frozen berries in the bag indicates they have stayed frozen through shipping and unpacking and have not thawed and then refrozen in transit.
Storing: Go through your package of berries and remove any that are squished or moldy to prevent them from affecting the other berries. Raspberries should be stored at the front of the fridge and are best eaten in the first couple days. If you grow them yourself you can pick them and eat them the same day. Rinse them under cold water just before consuming. If you want to freeze them, do so after rinsing, pat dry, lay them on a cookie sheet in a single layer and then once frozen transfer them to a storage container.
Eating: Raspberries can be used in fruit salads, yogurt parfaits and as a topping for dessert. They are great in salad and just eaten on their own. Frozen raspberries are ideal for use in muffins, pies and fruit crisps as well as stewed for an ice cream topping or on grilled poultry or lamb.
For delicious recipe ideas go to www.bcraspberries.com