Time to enjoy berry good Irish fruit
It’s that special time of year when strawberries, raspberries and blackberries at their very best. Here’s a look at how to choose, store and enjoy Irish soft fruit at its best during the summer season.
Soft fruits are packed with flavour, vitamins and antioxidants, making them one of the healthiest additions to any summer menu. However, because they are naturally delicate and picked at peak ripeness, they also need a little extra care once they arrive home.
“Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are a real taste of the Irish summer, and they are best enjoyed as fresh as possible,” said Iliyan Zdravchev, Farm Manager at Greenhill Fruit Farm. “We put great care into growing and harvesting our fruit at just the right time. By keeping berries chilled, dry and unwashed until they are ready to eat, families can enjoy their wonderful flavour for longer while also helping to reduce food waste.”
How to choose the freshest soft fruits? Whether you're buying strawberries, raspberries or blackberries, freshness is key.
Look for fruit that is:
Brightly coloured and vibrant.
Firm with no signs of bruising.
Dry, with no excess moisture in the punnet.
Free from mould or damaged berries.
Fresh-smelling, with a naturally sweet aroma.
Raspberries should hold their shape while remaining plump and tender, blackberries should appear glossy, firm and evenly coloured without leaking juice, while strawberries should have fresh green leafy tops and a glossy red appearance.
Top tips
Keep them cool: Store soft fruits in the refrigerator as soon as possible after purchase, ideally in their original punnet or a shallow container that allows air to circulate.
Don't wash until you're ready to eat: Washing fruit too early adds moisture, which can encourage mould.
Instead, rinse berries just before serving.
Remove damaged fruit: One mouldy berry can quickly spoil the rest. Check your fruit every day and remove any damaged berries immediately.
Handle gently: Soft fruits bruise easily. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of them and handle them carefully when transferring them to another container.
Enjoy them quickly: Freshly picked soft fruits are at their very best within a few days of purchase, so plan to enjoy them while they're at peak flavour.
Can you freeze soft fruit? Yes. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries all freeze exceptionally well. Simply wash the fruit, dry thoroughly and freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags or containers. Frozen berries are perfect for smoothies, baking, desserts, sauces and homemade jams throughout the year.
Unlike many fruits, soft fruits are harvested when they are fully ripe, meaning they offer exceptional sweetness and flavour straight from the farm.
At Greenhill Fruit Farm, great care is taken to grow and harvest strawberries, raspberries and blackberries at the perfect stage of ripeness, ensuring customers enjoy the freshest possible taste of the Irish summer.
Mr Zdravchev added: “With just a few simple storage tips, customers can enjoy their berries at their very best while reducing food waste. Whether eaten fresh, added to breakfast, blended into smoothies or used in summer desserts, they're a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy seasonal fruit.”