Superfood of the Day... Berries

Superfood of the day.. is berries

This includes any form of berry, so strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, and even the more rare types such as loganberries, currants, gooseberries, lingonberries and bilberries.

The pigments that give berries their beautiful bright blue and red hues are also good for your health! They are sweet tasting, make a practical snack and can also be added to dishes to create appetising and delicious desserts!

So why eat berries?
Berries contain both phytochemicals and flavonoids that may help to prevent some forms of cancer. Whilst Cranberries and blueberries contain a substance that may prevent bladder infections, and blueberries and raspberries also contain lutein, which is important for healthy vision. 

 Furthermore, strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C! 1 cup of strawberries contains a similar amount of vitamin C as one glass of orange juice, and only 53 calories or 220kJ! This vitamin C will help to maintain a strong functioning immune system. Berries also contain important ingredients such as calcium, potassium, folate and magnesium. Delicious, healthy and loved by the whole family.

Delicious Berry Parfaits....

Perfect for Christmas Day!

These delicious desserts are full of berry goodness and relatively low in fat. We use a little bit of reduced fat cream to keep it delicous (its a treat), but the berries and low fat yoghurt keep it healthy and a better alternative to some other high fat and low nutrient value desserts...

Berries are a fantastic alternative to having to add sugars to your desserts, muffins and cakes, they provide a naturally sweet flavour!

What you will need: (Serves 4 People)

400g low-fat vanilla yoghurt 
1/2 cup thickened reduced fat cream, whipped
2 teaspoon finely grated orange rind
1/4 cup icing sugar mixture, sifted
250g strawberries, hulled, quartered
125g raspberries
125g blueberries

Directions..

1. Combine yoghurt, cream, orange rind and half the sugar in a bowl.

2. Combine berries in a bowl. Reserve one-quarter of the mixed berries. Using a fork, lightly crush remaining berries. Stir in remaining sugar.

3. Layer yoghurt mixture and crushed berries in 4 glasses. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, if time permits. Top with reserved berries and serve chilled

*For extra flavour add some vanilla bean extract, powder or crushed sticks.

This recipe is fantastic if you are having guests over because you can prepare it before they arrive! Saves time and mess whilst entertaining guests. Get creative and if you are serving this dessert to adults (18+) even add a tablespoon or two of your favourite liqueur to the berry mix, tastes amazing!