(ThyBlackMan.com)
Various Kinds of Berries and Benefits
Blueberries are a wildly popular superfood with many benefits to your health. They are low in calories with a cup of them only being 84 calories. While lowbush blueberries are higher in nutrients, the common highbush blueberries have a ton of nutrients for their size. Blueberries may have the highest antioxidants of fruits and vegetables. They can even protect your DNA from damage from age and cancer. Blueberries can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve memory.
Raspberries, like other berries, can increase the cognitive ability in your brain that declines with age. Raspberries have high polyphenol which can reduce blood pressure. Raspberries have a lot of skin which means it is high in fiber. This helps regulate sugar and can help with diabetes. Since berries are mostly water and raspberries are high in fiber, they can help with digestion and detox. Raspberries can also slow many types of cancers as well.
Blackberries are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A which helps with your immune system, bone health, blood clotting, and other various effects on the body. Like most berries, blackberries are high in antioxidants. Blackberries have both soluble and insoluble fiber to help with digestion and cholesterol.
Strawberries are rich in nutrients and a good source of vitamin C and B9. They are also a good source of potassium and manganese. Strawberries are a great source of antioxidants and plant compounds which allow them to help with heart health, cancers, and blood sugar. Like other berries, strawberries contain soluble and insoluble fibers to aid with digestion and disease prevention.
Ways to Consume Berries
Berries can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be in food or they can be used in smoothies. When thinking of smoothies, shakes, desserts, or even alcohol, a strawberry syrup could be a good choice to add to it and give it a touch of strawberry flavor. When it comes to shakes or smoothies there are many types. Common ones are mixed berry, blueberry, or strawberry and banana. Banana is a good mix with berries which is why mixed berry and banana is also a popular flavor.
The possibilities of berries in the dessert are nearly endless. For example, you can drizzle strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry on cheesecake. There are all sorts of tarts, muffins, and cobblers that can incorporate berries and other fruits, like this mouthwatering blackberry cobbler for instance. Blackberries are also a popular flavor of jam along with strawberry and blueberry.
When it comes to cocktails, there are several drinks that incorporate berries. One is called a Clover Club. It is a gin cocktail that uses raspberry liqueur in it. Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade uses lemon juice and bourbon with blackberries. An interesting one is called Hibiscus Berry Margarita Popsicle. This includes Tequila, hibiscus flowers, and mixed berries. Then you freeze it.
Uses of Strawberries
Strawberries are probably the most popular berry to use in desserts and mixed drinks. There are some interesting and creative alcoholic drinks. Take the Strawberry Shortcake Fizz for example. This drink includes London Dry Gin, egg whites, and strawberry syrup. Zona Rosa is made with Tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree. A Megu “Frozen” Daiquiri is made with Triple Sec and White Rum with strawberries. Strawberry Tea is made like fresh tea but has strawberry syrup added to it.
Before moving into desserts from strawberries, there are a few “dessert” drinks to look at. A Strawberry Dipped Mocha has a steamed milk and espresso base with dark chocolate sauce and strawberry syrup. Another one with a steamed milk and espresso base is called Sinful Valentine Latte. There is dark chocolate sauce, strawberry syrup, and amaretto syrup added as well. A Chocolate Valentini is vanilla vodka mixed with strawberry syrup and white chocolate sauce.
There are many strawberry dessert items to choose from. The most well-known dessert is Strawberry Shortcake. This is a simple yellow cake with slices of strawberries and whip cream. A Strawberry Pie is basically filled with a filling made up of strawberries, cinnamon, and sugar. A strawberry cake is made using strawberry jello and pureed strawberries as a filling.
Staff Writer; Steve Moore