Summer Is Berry Delicious!

By Donna Stark

There are too many reasons to count why summer foods are the best type of foods to eat. From fresh off-the-farm vegetables to food cooked on the grill to homemade ice cream and pies, you really can't go wrong with what is available during this season. And fortunately for us all, that also includes the abundance of berries we can find at our local markets. We're talking about strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and even huckleberries. Actually, any kind of berry will do because they all taste great and are filled with amazing nutrition. Try some of the following options to incorporate more of these sweet, little gems into your diet.

Homemade Jams

If you want to continue enjoying the summer flavor of your favorite berries well into the long, cold days and nights of winter, turn your berry harvest into homemade jam. There is nothing better on a dreary morning than a little bit of sunshine on your toast. You may even be surprised by how many jars of jam a batch of your berries will make!

Baked Goods

From strawberry shortcake to blueberry pie to raspberry tarte to huckleberry pancakes, there are so many delicious treats you can make with summer berries. But the best part about cooking with berries is that they are naturally sweet, so you may be able to cut back on the amount of sugar you would consume by eating other common summer desserts.

Natural Treats

Of course, you don't have to mix your berries with flour, sugar, and milk to enjoy them. You can also just eat them on their own! Whip up a gigantic bowl of fresh fruit and toss in handfuls of your berries, pack your berries in a container and bring along some yogurt and granola to mix in, or just pop them in your mouth as is! Summer berries are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in just about any form you choose.

Smoothies

Are you looking for something different to eat for breakfast or would you like to find a replacement for your evening bowl of ice cream? Pull out your berries and start blending! Smoothies are a great way to cool down while filling your body with loads of nutrition. Try adding some protein powder, yogurt, and supplements into the blender to get even more benefits from your berries!

Summer Is Berry Good!

Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen this summer with your berries! Remember, summer berries are one of the most versatile ingredients to work with so you shouldn't have any problem coming up with something extraordinarily delicious to make!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.