IN SEASON - AUSSIE BERRIES

I THINK THEY ARE BERRY BERRY DELICIOUS

Summer is a great time to enjoy Aussie grown berries, fresh, succulent, vibrant and nutritious. Aussie berries are a fantastic source of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and antioxidants.

We are all aware of the benefits of vitamins and mineral’s, but the antioxidants and flavonoids propel berries into the superfood category. Antioxidant’s help the body fight free radicals, and free radicals are today’s enemy linked from everything from bad skin to cancer. Flavonoids can help reduce general inflammation in the body. Berries are also a great source of fibre and are low in sodium which is great for those with high blood pressure

and have no cholesterol. »

STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries, possibly Australia’s most versatile fruit, perfect for any occasion, Christmas, Easter, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day “The fruit of love”, although they are not technically a fruit.

Did you know the average Strawberry has 200 seeds?

TOP 5 WAYS TO ENJOY ‘STRAWESOME’ STRAWBERRIES THIS SUMMER SIMPLE SNACK Strawberries are the perfect snack on their own. Smaller varieties are a great size for little hands. SWEET TREAT A baker’s best friend, strawberries are the perfect pop of colour and taste for cakes, muffins and tarts. SALSA TWIST Chopped finely, strawberries add a sweet twist to your salsa, which you can enjoy with crackers or over grilled fresh fish. CHEESEBOARD FAVOURITE Try oven roasting strawberries marinated in balsamic vinegar and soft brownsugar, then piling the roasted berries on a soft cheese like camembert, served with seeded crackers for a new take on a cheeseboard favourite. DRINK UP Strawberries add a burst of sweetness to your beverages, whether it’s mixed with gin, tonic and mint or sliced into your glass of soda.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

OVEN-DRIED STRAWBERRIES

INGREDIENTS Lots & lots of fresh Strawberries

METHOD 1. Slice strawberries. Preheat oven to 90 degrees Celsius 2. Spread strawberries on a baking tray lined with baking paper. 3. Place in oven to dry for 2-3 hours. 4. They are ready when the moisture has evaporated, and they can be peeled off the paper with ease. Cool completely and store in a clean, airtight container for up to a week.

BERRY TIP

Strawberries, although being super sweet they are low in sugar.

RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are soft and juicy, and best eaten at room temperature. When you refrigerate raspberries keep them in the container you bought them in as this will keep them fresher, longer. Raspberries become sweeter when baked in a pie or cake.

RASPBERRY ICE CREAM

INGREDIENTS 2 cups fresh thawed raspberries. 1 cup sugar (optional) 2 cups whipping cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract METHOD 1. Put raspberries in a blender until it is a puree. 2. Put pureed Raspberries through a sieve to remove and seeds and place in a bowl. If using sugar place the sugar in the blender with raspberries. 3. In another bowl combine condensed milk and vanilla extract. 4. In another bowl whip the cream until it is firm enough to hold small peaks, then pour in the condensed milk & vanilla, mix it all together, then add the raspberry puree and mix. 5. Pour into tray and place in freezer for between 3-5 hours until it sets.

BERRY TIP

You can freeze berries and they will last up to 12 months.

BLACKBERRIES

Some say the blackberry has the strongest flavour of all the berries, probably a reason why many choose to use the blackberry to make syrups, drinks, jams and include them in cooking. You would think that Blackberries taste a little like blueberries but they have a unique flavour, another reason why its so popular for jams and baking. When making a berry mix you should always include the blackberry as it provides that fantastic contrast in colour and unique taste. BERRY TIP

Raspberries and blackberries are aggregate fruits, meaning that the big piece of fruit you enjoy is actually dozens of tiny fruits growing together.

BERRY TIP

If you feel the need to wash your fresh berries only do so very gently as they can be delicate, and only just before eating.

BLUEBERRIES

Blueberries seem to be the blue sheep of the family with berries Australia website stating that in 2017/18, only 52% of households purchased blueberries!! Blueberries contain a plant compound called anthocyanin. This gives blueberries both their blue color and many of their health benefits

One cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

STRAWBERRY CRUSH ICE-CREAM

Creamy and cool, it's the perfect way to enjoy a summer-style serving of fruit!

EQUIPMENT Stand mixer Saucepan Strainer Freezer-proof tin Sieve

INGREDIENTS 500 g Aussie Frozen Fruit Strawberries 190 g caster sugar 1 1/2 cups thickened cream 500 g ice cubes 4 egg yolks METHOD 1. Place the strawberries in a bowl and mash with one-third (65g) sugar until just coarsely pureed. Set aside. 2. Place cream in a heavy-based saucepan and bring just to the boil over medium heat. Have on hand a fine-meshed sieve resting over a heatproof bowl, sitting inside another large bowl with a layer of ice cubes in it to cool the custard swiftly the moment it’s cooked. 3. Meanwhile, using a stand mixer, whisk egg yolks and remaining 125g sugar until pale. Pour in the cream. Whisk briefly, then return to the pan over low heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 8-10 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of your spoon. 4. Strain custard through a strainer into the bowl sitting over the bowl of ice cubes, then stir in crushed strawberry mixture. 5. Leave to sit over the ice to chill. When cold, churn in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 6. Transfer to a 2L (8 cup) freezer-proof loaf pan, cover and freeze for 4 hours or overnight until firm.