As we move into this summer season, what’s a more appropriate superfood than fresh, sweet berries? While often found in sweet treats and desserts, berries are surprisingly nutritious and place at the top of all fruits as some of the healthiest. They vary in color, taste and shape, and are easy to find this month at Campus Dining. Just take a trip to one of our many salad bars on campus.
The blueberry is one of the most popular berries that’s easy to find and contains an impressive amount of nutrients. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K1 and manganese, blueberries come fresh and frozen, perfect for an afternoon snack or smoothie. There is no nutritional loss in eating blueberries frozen instead of fresh, so take advantage of the summer heat and whip up a cool and refreshing berry smoothie!
The acai “ah-sah-ee” berry is one that you’ll hear creatively pronounced a number of different ways. It has risen in popularity over the last few years, as vibrant acai bowls and smoothies are now offered at a many restaurants. Acai berries are high in antioxidants and polyphenol content, which both offer a multitude of health benefits.
Aside from shoveling them in by the handful, other ways to get in your daily berry fix include homemade yogurt parfaits, berry muffins and pies, adding berries to your greens, or incorporating them as part of a fruit salad. Just watch out for the added sugar if you’re purchasing pre-made berry products, because sugar and berries go hand in hand. Making these dishes at home lets you keep track of how much sugar is added. Add a little greek yogurt, granola and honey, and you’ve got yourself a delicious and healthy, homemade berry parfait.
Can’t enough about berries. Take a look at this list of 20 different berry types to choose from!
If you have the choice between acai berries or acai powder, choose the berries! Significant amounts of nutrients including vitamin A are lost when the berries are in powder form.
Blackberries are grown worldwide!
Heard of the cloudberry? These orange-colored berries are shaped just like the clouds.