Britain’s a berry good show!
THERE’S a reason strawberries account for more than half of berries sold – they’re packed with nutrients and are delicious.
In recent years though, a whole host of superberries have become widely available. But what are the brilliant berries – and which are better off left in the punnet? Supermodels love them, with Victoria’s Secret model and nutritionist Miranda Kerr listing them as her sweet fix of choice. Naturally rich in a yellow antioxidant which has been linked to protecting eyesight. However, recent research found they were no more nutrientpacked than strawberries, which are cheaper and tastier. All it took was for Victoria Beckham to tweet that she was obsessed by acai berries for hopeful dieters everywhere to start buying into the internet chat that these dark, grape-like berries were packed with nutrients and had “fat-burning” qualities. They are rich in amino acids, vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals including potassium and calcium. As for those fat-burning claims? Some dieticians believe it is simply great marketing. Known as chokeberries in America – because they make your mouth pucker if you eat them raw – they contain more antioxidants than acai, goji and blueberries. They can be too sharp to eat raw, but are can be added into soups, sauces, jams and even wine. There are growers in Scotland. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, plus vitamins and minerals. Benefits of eating regularly include maintaining a healthy circulation, increasing vitality and energy as well as fighting signs of ageing. Said to taste like a cross between a kiwi and a fig. And yes, they are from the humble fuchsia bush, so many of which are in our gardens. However, depending on which variety of fuchsia you have they might be bitter and unpleasant. Now, though, British horticulturalists have bred a strain of fuchsia that has sweet, vitamin-rich berries. Said to reduce the risk of “bad” cholesterol furring up your arteries. They’re also good for skin health. Often said to be good at preventing urinary tract infections in women, it may help although research is conflicting.
Latest figures show we’ve broken the £1 billion sales barrier for the first time.
Healthy eating, smoothie fever and more availability have all helped fuel an astonishing fruity feast.
And industry experts say the recent good weather will only have boosted sales.
A fifth of the total fruit consumption in the UK is now berries, the largest fresh fruit category and more than apples and bananas.
In the past four years, sales have rocketed by some 20%.
“Berries used to be a luxury item, but now they are a delicious staple, consumed as part of a healthy diet for many people,” said Laurence Olins, chairman of British Summer Fruits.
“The sales figures reveal a robust expanding soft fruit market that is meeting growing consumer demand.”
Gooseberries were a Scottish favourite and were often made into pies and crumbles. Last year sales fell to their lowest ever and it was predicted they could disappear from shops for good. Now, you’re more likely to find them in skin creams. Boots recently launched No7 Lift and Luminate serum, which contains Indian gooseberry extract, said to fade age spots. Loganberries have dropped in popularity over the years, but if you like jam-making they’re quite high in natural pectin, which helps it to set.
Ounce for ounce, strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges.
At last year’s Wimbledon, more than 23 tonnes of strawberries were eaten. This year’s will be picked the day before and arrive at 5.30am on the morning they will be sold.
Half a cup of raspberries contains half your daily vitamin C requirements.
Sales of redcurrants are slowly increasing.
Tayberries fell in popularity over the years, but now this cross between a bramble and raspberry is being recommended for a comeback as the plants don’t take up much room and are easier to grow in smaller sized gardens.
Elsanta and Sonata are the most commonly-sold varieties of strawberry. Sonata is a little sweeter and juicier.
The next superberry? Blue honeysuckle berry, described by the Royal Horticultural Society as an edible form of honeysuckle. Imagine a cross between blueberries and raspberries and you’re close.