There are many types of berries in the market available today, and many of these variants are rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. Here’s a guide to understanding some of the healthiest types of berries available:
- Strawberry: One name that instantly pops into many of our minds when we talk about berries is strawberries. These berries have a seedy, juicy and sweet taste and are rich in Vitamin C and boost immunity and eye health. Strawberries can be used in baked goods, jams, sauces, ice creams, chocolates and much more.
- Blueberry: Often referred to as star berries, blueberries have a tangy and sweet taste. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. They also aid in digestion, anti-ageing and weight loss. Blueberries are best used in smoothies, pancakes, muffins, ice creams and jams.
- Cranberries: Not to be confused with The Cranberries, a rock band of the same name. They are a sour-tasting type of red berry rich in vitamin c, fibre and antioxidants. Their tart taste makes them of great use in juices and because of their high nutritional value; they are also used in supplements. One of the most common benefits of consuming cranberry juice is to help prevent urinary tract infections. They are also dried up and used in yoghurts and jams.
- Blackberry: Considered as a super fruit, blackberries are rich in healthy antioxidants and vitamins. They also are known to have a positive impact on your cardiovascular health, improve brain function, and fight inflammation. Blackberries have a sweet, tart and a bitter taste and are often used in pies, cobblers and jams.
- Chokeberry: scientifically known as Aronia berry, these are a kind of sour berry that look similar to blueberries but have a darker, almost black colour. Most people don’t eat fresh chokeberries. Instead, they use them to make jams, teas, syrups or put into baked goods.
- Raspberries: Raspberries are edible fruit from the rose family. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. There are several types of raspberries available in the market, but the American red raspberries are the most commonly available one. It is also rich in fibre and used in desserts.
- Goji berries: Also known as wolfberries, goji berries originated in china. These berries have now gained massive popularity as a breakfast food and are used in smoothies, yoghurts and granola mixes. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. rich in antioxidants; goji berries are known to improve ageing related eye problems.
- Acai berries: Acai berries originated in brazil. These berries look like a crossover between blueberries and blackberries and don’t have the usual sweet berry taste to them. They are rich in antioxidants and are known to control blood sugar levels. Acai berries are sold in dried and frozen form as well and are often used in smoothie bowls.
- Gooseberries: Popularly known as Aamla in India, gooseberries contain an impressive amount of health benefits for hair, skin and nails. These berries are rich in vitamin c, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, copper and potassium. These berries also help in maintaining the body’s immunity. These berries are often consumed in the form of pickles in India.
- Grapes: One of the oldest grown plants, grapes are They are classified as true berries because the fruit wall or pericarp is fleshy all the way through. Grapes are also rich in vitamin c and vitamin k. They are consumed as whole, raw fruit or as juice, wine, raisins, or vinegar.