Blackberries and Raspberries: Power Foods

How to Buy and Prep Blackberries and Raspberries

You can buy fresh blackberries and raspberries nearly year-round because they're imported from Mexico and other countries during winter months. But don't hesitate to buy frozen. To enjoy fresh raspberries and blackberries at their best, try these tips from experts:
-Avoid buying berries in damp or stained containers, which are signs of overripe fruit.
-If a berry becomes moldy, discard it so the mold doesn't spread to the other berries.
-Refrigerate berries in a single layer (covered with a paper towel) and eat within three days.
-Wash berries just before eating them (not in advance, which will make them mushy).

Tip: "Raspberries are very delicate, so don't wash them under running water. It's best to put them in a single layer in a shallow colander, then loosely cover them and briefly immerse the colander in water," says Susan Lynn, a berry grower in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania.