All about berries

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries... these juicy, pulply, fragrant fruit favourites are at their best during the upcoming warm summer months. Not only are they delicious, berries also contain health boosting antioxidants, tons of vitamins and are low in calories.  

The delicate fruit does require a bit of love though. Here are our top tips for choosing the best of the bunch and making the most of them when you get them home:

• Strawberries should be fragrant and bright red, with no white or green patches near their stems. Blueberries should be firm but not hard. Raspberries should be plump and shiny.
• Berries have a very short shelf life; their peak flavour and texture only lasts two to three days. To prolong it, immediately discard mouldy or overripe berries. Put the remaining berries, unwashed, into a container lined with paper towels to absorb decay-hastening moisture. Refrigerate. Wash briefly in cold water just before eating.
• Keep some for later. Berries freeze well. Put dry berries on a cookie sheet in a single layer, and stick it in the freezer. Once the berries are frozen, put them into a container or plastic bag and leave it in the freezer for up to one year.

As well as eating just as they are, berries are great for cooking with. From jams and preserves to cakes, pies and muffins their sweet and tart flavour is always a crowd pleaser. This recipe for delicately flavoured White Chocolate Persian Mousse features layers of berries and luscious white chocolate cream and can act as either an indulgent afternoon tea or a wonderful dessert.

Our White Chocolate Berry Cheesecake is fast and fuss free to whip together with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. The tart berries cut through the richness of the cheesecake, making this creamy cake hard to resist.

And for the ultimate showstopper, it’s impossible to say no our Vanilla Snow Pavlova. A classic and a KitchenAid favourite, top this crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside Pav with lightly sweetened cream before liberally showering with a mixture of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Once set down on the table it will disappear before your eyes.

For more great berry recipe ideas, visit the full KitchenAid recipe collection.