Ever buy a berry that looked a little…well, sad? Not only do we harvest our berries at the peak for freshness for optimal flavor and nutrition, but we also know a thing or two about how to pick the plumpest, juiciest berries:

• Strawberries: Look for a clean, dry berry that’s plump, firm, shiny, and full red. The caps should be green and fresh looking. Avoid bruised or winkled berries.
• Blueberries: Choose blueberries that are plump, dent-free, and blue. Avoid bruised or wrinkled berries.
• Raspberries: Choose a brightly colored, plum berry. Avoid raspberries with dents or bruises.
• Blackberries: Look for color ranging from deep purple/black to deep blue/purple. They should be plump and firm to the touch, not wrinkled or dried out.

Ever wonder the best ways to store berries at home to keep them fresh longer? Place your berries in your refrigerator in a low airflow location (think produce drawer) in the original container as soon as you arrive home. Only wash your berries prior to use.

Fresh is best. Berries are best used within 3-4 days after purchase for optimal flavor and maximum nutritional value.

If you can’t polish off that pint of blueberries straight away, don’t feel blue. The good news is with a little prep, your berries can last you for up to six months in the freezer. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Remove the hulls (for strawberries only).
2. Layer baking trays with paper towels and placed rinsed berries in a single layer.
3. Pat dry.
4. Place trays in freezer to fully freeze the berries.
5. Transfer frozen berries to heavy duty freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible and seal.
6. Label your berries with the contents and the date they were frozen.

Now you can enjoy those frozen fruits in everything from smoothies to waffles, oatmeal, fruit salsa, and even ice cream. Easy peasy freeze-y!

YES! Did you know 8 strawberries contain the same amount of Vitamin C as one orange? Or that berries are low in calories and carbohydrates? When it comes to health benefits, here’s why we crush on berries:

Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C. A cup of strawberries is only 47 calories and 11 carbs. 

Blueberries are a strong source of powerful Antioxidants and Vitamin C. One cup of Blueberries has 24% of the daily recommended needs of Vitamin C. A cup of blueberries is only 85 calories and 21 carbs. 

Raspberries are chock full of Vitamin C with anti-inflammatory properties. One cup of raspberries is only 162 calories and 15 carbs.

Blackberries are high in insoluble fiber, may boost brain health, and high in Vitamin C, K, and manganese. One cup of blackberries is only 64 calories and 14 carbs.  

That question might sound a little… well, bananas. But as surprising as this may sound, bananas are, in fact, considered berries. Botanically speaking, berries develop from a flower containing one single ovary, with soft skin and a fleshy middle. Bananas? Same! Even better, like berries, bananas contain seeds which are hard to see since they’re so small. That said, you won’t find bananas in our berry patch, but they’re close by (in our hearts and in our stores).

Did your pupper swipe your strawberry while you weren’t looking? Breathe easy… It’s really okay! In fact, strawberries are filled with fiber, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are fine as occasional treats, too. If you have questions, be sure to talk to your trusted veterinarian or pet care provider.