Pineberries (White Strawberries)

Oregon farmers have been growing black raspberries for more than a century. Recently this delicate berry has become a foodservice and specialty store favorite prized for its rich flavor and deep color.

Choose firm, whole berries. This berry is extremely fragile. Refrigerate at all times and use within two days of purchase.

Cranberries were once only served during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but now they are able to be enjoyed year-round.

Their tart flavor was traditionally used for fall holiday relishes, but now they can be found in an assortment of prepared food products as well as in a number of recipes.

Organic Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C and contain fair amounts of dietary fiber. Chefs are finally taking advantage of these mouth-puckering fruits by incorporating cranberries to their recipes, adding bold flavor and increasing the nutritional value of their dishes at the same time.

Organic Cranberries are preferred for benefits of taste, health and the environment.

Melissa’s Organic Cranberries should be kept at 40-50 degrees. Best when used within seven days. Choose clean cranberries that are firm and well-colored.

Melissa’s Long Stem Strawberries make a wonderful snack as well as a very special dessert ingredient. Very flavorful, Long Stem Strawberries have beautiful deep red coloring with vibrant green stems and leaves.

These California Long Stem Strawberries are preferred for their gorgeous display quality and their excellent sweet summer flavor. Melissa’s Long Stem Strawberries are delicious when eaten out of the hand, mixed in salads, and used in desserts, such as strawberry shortcake. Long stem strawberries are fabulous dipped in chocolate for a rich dessert. For a simple and sweet treat, serve long stem strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar.

Stems and caps should be fresh and firm. The berry should be plump and firm with a nice red finish. Avoid green or white-topped strawberries, or those that are mushy, shriveled, or leaky.

Preparation
Wash and prepare with or without stems.

Melissa’s Raspberries make a wonderful plump snack as well as an easy baking ingredient. Raspberries are available in red, gold and black varieties. These berries are hallow and very delicate.

Not only very flavorful, Raspberries make a wonderful dessert decoration or topping, especially with all three colors. The Black Raspberry, also referred to as the blackcap, is much firmer and not quite as juicy as the red raspberry. This variety is delicious when made into wines and liqueurs.

Gold Raspberries contain a slightly more mild and creamy flavor than the other two varieties. The unique color of these berries gives a bit of enthusiasm to a plate, commonly used as a gourmet decoration.

Enjoy succulently sweet Raspberries out of hand, on top of ice cream and yogurt, in waffles, pancakes and breads or muffins. Fresh Melissa’s sweet Raspberries complement chocolate with grace and elegance.

Melissa’s Raspberries are a good source of vitamin C and iron. One cup of raspberries contains 45 percent of daily calcium. They are sodium free.

Raspberries should be plump, dry, firm and bright in color, avoiding any green berries, as they will not continue to ripen. Store Melissa’s Raspberries in a ventilated area in the refrigerator and enjoy soon after purchase.