There is a wide range of juicy berries available in our shops e.g. blackberries, blueberries, grapes, raspberries, redcurrants, strawberries, and plenty to pick in hedgerows - not forgetting to leave some for the wildlife. Many are grown in the UK and they can be used to make lots of different delicious recipes. Remember that you can buy them frozen all year round too.
How to store
How to store fresh berries
Store berries in their original packaging in the fridge.
Freezing berries
Berries can be frozen in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Storing cooked berries
Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Berries e.g. blueberries, strawberries top tips
How to freeze and defrost
To freeze: You can freeze fresh berries on a tray first (so that they don’t lump together) and then store in an airtight container in the freezer.
To defrost: When you take food or drink out of the freezer, it’s important to defrost it safely. Don’t defrost at room temperature. Ideally, defrost fully in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Or, use a microwave on the defrost setting.
Be fabulous with leftovers
Fresh berries
Leftover squishy berries make for a great smoothie – simply blend with yogurt, milk or fruit juice.
Frozen berries
Frozen berries are also good for using in grown-up drinks and look beautiful topping a summer dessert. Do not give frozen berries to children: they are a choking hazard.
Buying tips
Think about swapping fresh berries for frozen fruits or smoothie mixes (if your fruit often ends up being used in a smoothie). Frozen foods last a long time in the freezer, you can use as much as you need when you need to and they can often be a cheaper option. Berry pie fillings and toppings also come in tins.
Perfect portions
Use our portion calculator for a quick and simple way to check how much of this food to serve at mealtimes.
Valuing your Berries e.g. blueberries, strawberries beyond the price tag
Goodness in food
Your food is more than its shape, colour and price. Your food has an important role to play to help keep you healthy and with enough energy to live your life how you wish to.
- Loaded with vitamin C which helps to protect cells and keep them healthy.
- High in fibre which helps with digestion.
- They contribute to your five-a-day portions.
Food story
By the time your food arrives in your home, it’s already been on quite a journey starting with how it is made or grown and how your food reaches the supermarket.
So please help our food to finish its story in the most sustainable way, ensuring the planet’s resources that’s already used are put to good use. Take care of your food when it’s in your home and ensure every edible morsel is eaten - and that your food doesn’t end up in the bin!
Why not try these delicious recipes to use up Berries e.g. blueberries, strawberries
Chilling in the fridge rather than baking in the oven is the key to this simple yet spectacular fruity, nutty deliciousness which pleases nearly everyone and is great for entertaining.
Make the most of leftovers from a Christmas meal by combining cooked turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing in these festive pasties.
Make the strawberry season last all year long with this easy jam. It's a good way to use up under-ripe or tart strawberries - freeze them until you have enough to make a batch of jam.