Not only are berries quite delicious, but they are also one of the most nutritious types of fruit. They are low in calories, flavorful, and versatile. You can eat them whole, add them to various recipes, or turn them into homemade jam. They pack a huge nutritional punch as well. Rich in antioxidants, berries improve heart health, reduce signs of aging, lower cholesterol levels, fight inflammation, and prevent certain cancers. Not to mention they are also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and minerals like potassium.
Blueberries
Blueberries are native to North America but they are also grown throughout the rest of the world. They are the most common type of berries and their health benefits are well-known. Blueberries have a sweeter taste and a higher sugar content as compared to most other types of berries. One interesting thing about them is that they are quite expensive when they are fresh and frozen blueberries are relatively cheaper. However, studies show no real nutritional difference between fresh and frozen blueberries.
Raspberries
Raspberries are another common berry variety. They are quite popular around the world and one of the key reasons behind it is that they have a sweet taste, which is generally accompanied by a slight tartness, depending on the ripeness of the raspberry. Raspberries provide a good amount of vitamin C and they also have more fiber than sugar in them. All in all, raspberries are tasty and you can also use them with cream, which is a common accompaniment.
Goji Berries
Also known as ‘wolfberries’, goji berries have become quite common nowadays as they have been in prominence over the last decade or so. They are native to East Asia and are widely used into tea infusions in Korea and China. They are nowadays found everywhere, usually as dried berries. Goji berries are extremely rich in nutrients and they provide a good source of iron, riboflavin, selenium, copper, carotenoids, and vitamin A. They have an enjoyable taste: tough but soft inside, flavorful, and chewy with a little sweet yet slightly bitter taste.
Cranberries
Cranberries are another healthiest, popular, and most versatile type of berries. From dried berries to cranberry juices, jams, and alcohol, they are used to make a wide variety of different products. Cranberries grow natively in North America as well as throughout the United States and Canada. When it comes to taste, cranberries are quite sour. To counter this, many cranberry products contain high amounts of sugar.
As you can see, there are several different types of berries that you can eat and enjoy the nutritional benefits. Berries grow in virtually all climates and in addition to being super healthy, these superfoods are simply scrumptious.
Photos by: Taryn Elliott, Joanna Kosinska, Debby Hudson, Angela Pham, Yulia Khlebnikova