Properties: Berries
Under the term Berries and Berry Fruits, different fruit varieties are grouped together. Common characteristics of berries include properties such as a small, round shape as well as a soft consistency. A distinction is made between berries and berry fruits. From a botanical perspective, for example, the tomato is considered a berry. However, due to its annual nature, it is classified as a vegetable. For berry fruits, perenniality and edibility must be given due to the addition of "fruit."
Some fruits that are classified as berry fruits are not actually berries from a botanical perspective. This includes the strawberry, which is actually an aggregate fruit. Due to their fruit characteristics, strawberries and other types like blackberries or raspberries are categorized as berry fruits.
The main berry varieties belong to the order Rosales (rose family). They include the families Saxifragaceae and Rosaceae. Representatives of the extensive family Rosaceae are blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Members of the family Saxifragaceae are instead gooseberries and currants.
Advantages of Berries
Berries stand out particularly for their especially aromatic taste. Furthermore, they are considered very healthy because they contain a variety of important nutrients such as vitamins, secondary plant substances, minerals, and dietary fiber. In addition, they are low in calories. Due to the abundant presence of dietary fiber, berries quickly lead to satiety.
Among the various berry fruits are:
Blackberries
The blackberry is also called brambleberry. The fruits of different blackberry varieties are mostly cultivated. Ripe blackberries present themselves as blue-black and shiny. They have a juicy and sour-sweet taste. The blackberry is a close relative of the raspberry. In late summer, the blackberry fruits are stripped from the leaves. They should be consumed as fresh as possible because they quickly become mushy. In the refrigerator, the berries can be stored for up to three days.
Blackberries are particularly well suited for desserts and sweets. Additionally, they are used in red fruit compote, jams, preserves, cakes, pies, sorbets, ice cream, wine, and liqueurs.
Strawberries
The big star among berries is undoubtedly the strawberry (Fragaria), to which about 20 species belong. Strawberries thrive in temperate climate zones of the Northern Hemisphere.
Already in the Stone Age, people nourished themselves with strawberries. In the Middle Ages, the cultivation of European forest strawberries took place. With the Chilean strawberry and scarlet strawberry, American strawberry varieties found their way to Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries. Through their crossbreeding in 1750, the garden strawberry was created. Most of today's common strawberry varieties originate from the garden strawberry.
Botanically, strawberry fruits are classified as aggregate fruits. Different types of garden strawberries are available on the market. They all only last a few days. Strawberries are particularly popular raw, with whipped cream or as an accompaniment to fruit salad or strawberry cake. Strawberry ice cream and strawberry preserves are also frequently sold products. Furthermore, the berry is used in beverages such as rum pot or punch. Additionally, there are strawberries in frozen foods and canned goods.
Blueberries
The blueberry is also known as bilberry. It belongs to the family of heath plants (Ericaceae). The cultivated blueberries that are often offered in supermarkets come from American and not European blueberries. They do not cause a blue staining of the tongue because they have light fruit flesh.
Overall, there are about 150 blueberry species. The harvest of berries takes place between July and September. In the refrigerator, they can be stored for up to ten days. Blueberries taste particularly good when they are taken out of the refrigerator a little while before consumption. They can also be refined with some whipped cream. Pancakes with blueberries are also popular.
Raspberries
Another popular berry variety is the raspberry (Rubus idaeus), which belongs to the rose family. The raspberry is widespread in Europe and western Siberia. In earlier times, raspberries were used as medicinal plants and were cultivated in numerous monastery gardens.
The ripe fruits of the raspberry are harvested from late June to mid-September. If raspberries are protected from moisture, they can be stored for three days in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen. It is recommended to dip the raspberries in water before consumption and let them dry. Raspberries taste best raw. However, they can also be consumed as an ingredient for pies or as jelly, compote, or jam.
Currants
Currants are either red or black. The garden currants have their origin in North Asia and Europe. The small fruits have a sour taste and possess the highest acidity of all berries. Black currants are appreciated for their tart aroma. While red currants are eaten raw, black currants are mostly consumed as red fruit compote, compote, jam, or juice.
The harvest of currants extends from late June to end of July. They can be stored in the refrigerator for several days but can also be frozen for several months.
Gooseberries
The gooseberry belongs to the genus Ribes and is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. As a berry fruit, it has been cultivated since the 16th century. The sweet-sour fruits reach their ripeness in July and August. They can be eaten raw but are also used in cakes, jams, compotes, or home wines.