Berry berry good!

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Be it the cherries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, the months of May to September offer a bountiful harvest of berry goodness. Best of all, berries are rich in fiber and are a delicious source of disease-fighting antioxidants. When buying berries, always choose dry, plump, and brightly colored ones with no obvious rotten spots. Avoid containers with juice stains. This is a sign that the berries are either bruised or overripe. Avoid containers with signs of mold. Mold travels like wildfire through berries. Store your berries unwashed in the refrigerator in a covered container. Fresh berries don't last long and are best consumed within a few days after purchase. For longer storage, berries can be stored in the freezer for up to four months. To freeze, spread the berries out on a cookie tray and freeze before consolidating into a smaller container. When you're ready to use your berries, you can enjoy them as it is or with a generous topping of yogurt, with high-fiber, whole-grain cereal, or even in salads! Whatever you choose to do, make sure to wash your berries before eating them, since they can often harbor bacteria.