‘Tis the Season…For Berries, That Is!
It’s that time of year again: Everywhere you go it’s blueberry this or raspberry that. Trust me, I am not complaining–next to fresh peaches, I would take a fresh berry any day. And I have to say, one of the best gifts my parents ever gave me as a child was a love for picking berries. And such, it continues to be one of my favorite outings with my own kids.
When a parent tells me that their child does not “like” raspberries or blueberries, the first question I ask, is “have you ever gone and picked your own?” I have never met a child that, when tempted with big, beautiful berries in front of them, fresh from a vine or bush, can’t help but shove one (and then many more) in their mouth and become an instant fan. And the glory of coming home with ten or more pounds of berries? The possibilities are endless.
Muffins are a must, and it’s just as important that the child help make them so they experience the full pleasure of summer berries–from plant to kitchen to mouth. What’s more, freezing some of your stash to turn into smoothies in the midst of winter can be equally rewarding. (Frozen blueberries are also a favorite snack around my house!)
Best of all, the nutritional profile of fresh berries is unsurpassed. Whether blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or something more exotic, all are an extremely rich source of antioxidants that help the body to fight off free radicals and oxidation. Case in point: One half cup of blueberries contains 2.5 grams of fiber and 17% of your daily dose of vitamin C (an antioxidant!).
If your family is looking for a fun weekend activity, I think you’ve found your answer. Go pick some berries!
-Dr. Keri Marshall MS, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor who specializes in holistic pediatrics and women’s medicine.
Tags: antioxidants, berries, blueberries, smoothie
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