Black Raspberries

Strawberries, a member of the rose family, are unique in that they are the only fruit with seeds on the outside rather than the inside. Many medicinal uses were claimed for wild strawberries, its leaves and roots. The ancient Romans believed that the berries alleviated symptoms of melancholy, fainting, all inflammations, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, halitosis, attacks of gout, and diseases of the blood, liver and spleen. The American Indians were already eating strawberries when the Colonists arrived. The crushed berries were mixed with cornmeal and baked into strawberry bread. After trying this bread, Colonists developed their own version of the recipe and Strawberry Shortcake was created. Since then, Americans continue to rave about this fruit for dipping in chocolate, for using in cakes and pies, for making frothy milkshakes, and for preserving.

Melissa’s Organic Strawberries make a wonderful snack as well as a great baking ingredient. Bursting with the flavor of summer, Organic Strawberries are seasonal treasures organically grown and distributed without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and preservatives. Melissa’s Organic label reads: “Melissa’s Certified Organic Produce is free of artificial or synthetic fertilizers and full of unforgettable, great tasting flavor. Our farmers use traditional earth-friendly farming methods inspected by a nationally recognized agency to verify organic authenticity. Melissa’s Organic Produce, a choice made closer to nature.”

Organic Strawberries are preferred for reasons of taste, health and the environment. Enjoy fresh strawberries out of hand, mixed in salads, and in desserts.

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

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.

Melissa’s Currants are a shiny, tiny berry grown in a variety of colors: red, black and white. These are attractive berries similar to champagne grapes making them a wonderful snack, as well as a perfect baking ingredient. Enjoy fresh currants washed and out of hand for an on the go snack, on top of ice cream or yogurt, in waffles, pancakes, breads or muffins. Excellent for stewing, Melissa’s Currants make delicious compotes, muffins, pies, flans, jellies, jams, wines, sauces, syrups or even soups. Use as an attractive garnish for a variety of meats, salads, desserts or beverages. Currants are an excellent source of vitamin C.

These delightful bite-sized fruits from South America have many names, such as Cape Gooseberries, Ground Cherries and Inca berries. Although related to tomatillos, goldenberries are sweeter and feature tangy tropical notes, often described as a mix between mango and pineapple. Goldenberries grow on shrubs and are encased in a papery husk—Melissa’s offers goldenberries with the husk on or peeled off.

To use, rinse goldenberries under cool water. The berries might be slightly sticky from a natural, edible oil the fruit excretes to protect its skin. Serve berries whole or sliced in breakfast bowls, desserts or salads. Goldenberries’ pretty orange hue looks beautiful when paired with other berries like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.

Melissa’s Goldenberries are hand selected for excellent quality. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.