Author: skumagai

YEAR

Berries

What is your favorite berry? - blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, boysenberry, cranberry, gooseberry, loganberry, marionberry, etc. These berries, whether cultivated or wild, all grow in Washington state. Berries are a well-anticipated sign of summer as their harvest season is usually from June to September. However, berries are easily frozen and frozen berries are available throughout the year.
Washington state produces 95% of the nation’s red raspberry supply. The United States is the world’s largest producer of blueberries.

Blackberries, raspberries, marionberries and boysenberries grow on a cane and bear fruit every other year. Blueberries grow on a bush and are harvested 2-5 times during the season, as all berries do not mature at the same time.
Did you know…?
There are about 200 tiny seeds on every strawberry.
Raspberries can be red, black or golden.
Boysenberry is a cross between raspberry, blackberry and loganberry.
Strawberry is the most popular berry in the U.S.

Farm to School Pick!

Fun Activity

District Name

Pick your own berries this summer! There are many berry farms (and other farms and orchards) that host “U-pick” during the harvest season. Find U-pick farms in the Farm Guide*. Remember, always call to confirm the information before you go. In Washington State, typical harvest season for strawberries are May—Sep; blackberries and raspberries Jun—Aug; and, blueberries Jul—Sep.
*Farm Guide is available at http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/farm-guide

Nutrition Information

Excellent source of
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C helps the body heal cuts and wounds and keeps our skin, bones, teeth and gums healthy.
Vitamin C keeps the brain functioning efficiently
Other notable nutrients:
Vitamin K
Dietary fiber
Manganese
Folate

Easy Ways to Add Berries to Your Diet

Top your cereal, yogurt, salads, or pancakes with fresh or frozen berries.
Keep a bag of mixed berries in the freezer for smoothies.
Toss berries into a spinach or other leafy green salad.
Simply fill up a bowl with berries and nibble for an afternoon snack.

Selecting and Storing Berries

Enjoy Washington-grown Berries!

Choose berries that are plump and round—the flesh of a good berry should be full and meaty with a soft gloss.
Avoid berries that are broken apart and moldy.
Berries should be refrigerated to preserve freshness.
Moisture quickens decay, so do not wash berries until just before serving.

This material was made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention