Vividly blue/purple in colour, these beauties don’t just look good – they are bursting with goodness!

They’re full of powerful antioxidants to protect our bodies from the ravages of ageing, and across the full spectrum of life-threatening diseases. They help with brain function, memory, insulin sensitivity, immune function, skin, the heart, and circulation – to name just a few. They’re also high in fibre, which is really important for our digestive track and also maintaining a healthy gut which slows down the absorption of fruit sugars into the bloodstream.

All the berries are little power packs, but there often seems to be a bit of rivalry between the dark purple berries as to which ones have the most antioxidants. To have a range is a great idea for flavour and to ensure you’re incorporating a range of nutrients. I love picking berries from the hedgerow and gardens in summer, these can be as good if not better than those imported – regardless of what a super-duper-deluxe food it’s allegedly claimed to be on the packet!

Berries are best eaten raw, although some, like blackcurrants, can be a bit too tart to eat raw (other than in smoothies) and are best cooked with a little stevia or honey to sweeten or even with apples as they can be a little intense on their own. This makes for a delicious on the topper for coconut yogurt or organic natural bio yogurt.

I, like most people, love berries! They still feel like a real treat and there’s something that feels satisfying, perhaps it’s instinctual (hunter-gatherer thing), about going out and picking the sun ripened, warm berries and eating them immediately!