Guest Blog from Field Fare: The beauty of Frozen Berries

We all love the summer when there are vast amounts of berries ready for the picking. But don’t limit yourself to just those months of the year, super, berries are now available all year round when frozen.

At BigBarn we believe fresh is best, but when it comes to getting kids consuming and cooking good healthy food we support the frozen option, especially if it gives people a reason to shop at their local farm shop instead of the supermarket.

Berries and fruits are frozen quickly after picking using IQF (individually quick frozen) methods meaning it locks in the nutritional qualities, natural flavours and textures of the berries/fruits and preserving it in its freshest state. In fact 82% of chefs and caterers understand that freezing locks freshness into products.

Take field fare blackberries for example, high in nutrients such as dietary fibre, vitamin C, K, folic acid and the mineral manganese which protects the immune system and may lower the risk of developing certain types of cancers.

Blackberries are great used in jams, pies and crumbles but if you fancy trying something different then this Blackberry Cheesecake in a glass is sure to delight!

Tasty healthy

Blueberries, (click here for BigBarn blog,) are another superberry that may be small but are mighty in terms of their nutritional punch. It is widely known that the darker the berry the higher the amounts of antioxidants it contains. Great for your immune system, they may protect against cancer, heart disease and help slow down the ageing process. Plus because they are small they defrost quickly and can be used straight from the freezer as a topping for cereal, in smoothies or in baking.

Strawberries are rich in the essential nutrients vitamin C, potassium, folic acid and fibre. Just five strawberries contain more antioxidant power than three apples or four bananas, and more vitamin C than an entire orange which is thought to protect against inflammation, cancer and heart disease.

Field Fare’s summer berry mix (containing strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants) whizzes up a dream in this Smoothie recipe. It’ll be a fruity hit with the whole family.

Finally the raspberry, rich in vitamin C, A, E and minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Again the potential health benefits can help against cancer, ageing, inflammation and neuro-degenerative diseases. Raspberries can be used in many dessert recipes but if you don’t really have a sweet tooth then this Grilled Mackerel recipe using field fare frozen raspberries is a great savoury alternative.

field fare’s frozen, loose ‘scoop your own’ individual berry and berry mixes mean you can buy as little or as much as you want, so along with all the fantastic health benefits field fare has the added benefit of no food waste, convenience and value for money. field fare products are sold nationally in farm shops, delis and garden centres.

To find out more about field fare, read more gorgeous recipes and locate your nearest stockist, visit our website