Berries

Hundreds of different berries grow all over the world on vines or bushes, ranging in color from white to blue to red, orange, yellow, or black. They might be sweet or tart and everything in between, and, with the exception of the blueberry, cranberry, and a couple of less common varieties like gooseberries, they’re very perishable.

Preparing: Strawberries: Rinse and dry. Pull or cut off the leaves, then use a paring knife to dig out the stem and core.

Blueberries: Pick over, remove any stems, rinse, and dry.

Blackberries and raspberries: Rinse and dry very gently. I do not rinse wild berries as long as I’m sure of the source. When in doubt, treat other berries like raspberries: gently.

Other fruits you can use: berries are fairly interchangeable when used raw, or use grapes or sweet cherries; blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries can substitute for one another in cooked dishes