Berry good

Nutrition Action Healthletter, June, 2004

Peak berry season's coming.

You won't see a nationwide advertising campaign on TV. You won't get coupons in your Sunday newspaper. It's not as though someone's trying to convince you to sample a new Coke flavor, McDonald's burger, or Pizza Hut pizza.

So here's a reminder: summer is prime time to indulge in fresh blueberries and strawberries, and possibly the only time for in-season raspberries and blackberries.

All four are rich in fiber and vitamin C. All but the blueberries also pack a nice shot of folate and potassium. (The blues excel in the antioxidant department, so don't ignore them.) And a cup of berries has only 40 to 80 calories--not much for such exquisite, intense flavor.

If you don't polish them off right out of the container (after washing, of course), the possibilities are endless. There's no easier way to make fruit salad. (Step 1: rinse. Step 2: dump into bowl.) It takes just a handful of berries and a scoop of sorbet or low-fat ice cream to create a classy, foolproof dessert.

And don't forget chilled berry soup. Mix three cups of orange juice with three cups of buttermilk. Add two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey, and 2 1/2 cups of berries.

Berry easy. Berry good.

Berries: (800) MOTHER-NATURE.