Northern California enjoys an early berry season, with strawberries appearing for sale at farmers’ markets in mid-February. However, April and May showcase the true abundance of in-season berries, including cherries, blackberries, and blueberries.
Berries have extraordinary health benefits and are easy to fold into recipes or simply eat by the handful. Blackberries, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries all contain high amounts of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Antioxidant-Rich
Typically, the darker a berry is, the higher the antioxidant properties are. Why are antioxidants such powerful substances? Free radicals are produced by stress, caused by environmental and other factors, which then create oxidative stress within the body. Antioxidants protect the body against chronic disease and inflammation by neutralizing and abolishing free radicals from the bloodstream.
How can you incorporate more berries into your diet?
- Use as a yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal topping.
- Add fresh or frozen berries to your smoothie. (Try our Antioxidant Berry Blast Organic Smoothie Recipe!)
- Puree in a fruit-based soup.
- Simply eat by the handful!
