With the high price of organic berries in my local markets and stores, shopping for antioxidant-rich
berries this winter has been a little disturbing for me.
So when I discovered organic blackberries for sale in my neighborhood at 2 for $5.00, I grabbed as
many containers at that price as I could carry.
For good reason…
I absolutely adore the sweet taste, juicy flavor and crunchy seeds of blackberries.
Although they are not technically berries, blackberries are number one on my list of favorite ” berries”
to buy this season.
The blackberry is a actually a drupelet, or a cluster of fruits, like a bunch of grapes, and the seed inside
each drupelet contributes to the berry’s nutrient value.
What’s more, studies reveal that blackberries have one of the highest antioxidant contents per serving of
any food tested!
So I am really impressed!
The Health Benefits of Blackberries
Known to be rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, flavonoid, p-coumaric acid and
polyunsaturated fats, blackberries provide a wealth of health benefits.
Blackberries help to:
*lower cholesterol
*lower risk for heart disease and stroke
*strengthen the immune system
*fight free radicals
*lower your risk for certain cancers including stomach cancer
*help to reduce blood pressure
*improve blood circulation
*treat psoriasis
*treat hemorrhoids
*prevent diabetes
*prevent age-related cognitive decline
*aid weight loss
Now that I had all of these beneficial and beautiful berries in my kitchen, I happily devoured them
each day for breakfast by themselves, in a fruit salad, in a smoothie or as a topping for oatmeal or granola.
One day I decided to satisfy my craving for something creamy and good for my digestive tract by
adding them to raw organic coconut yogurt, hence I made…
Creamy Organic Coconut Yogurt with Blackberries
Ingredients:
1 cup Plain Raw Organic Coconut Yogurt
2 tablespoons Organic Coconut Palm Sugar
1 cup Organic Blackberries
1/4 cup Organic Pumpkin Seeds – soaked
Directions:
Clean the organic berries by soaking in water with white vinegar for a few minutes,
swish them gently and rinse and drain.
Add the blackberries to a bowl.
Add sprinkle the Organic Coconut Palm Sugar onto the blackberries and stir, breaking
some of the berries with your spoon to release the juices.
Add the Organic Coconut Yogurt to the dish of berries and mix thoroughly.
Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds into the mixture and stir again.
Enjoy all of this creamy goodness and nutrition in one bowl!
When shopping for blackberries, choose blackberries that have a rich, deep color and that are plump.
If they have hulls, they may have been picked too early and may taste too tart.
Note that blackberries will not ripen after they are picked, so this is important to consider when
shopping.
It is best to store them unwashed in an air-tight refrigerated container.
Do you like blackberries?
What are your favorite ways to enjoy blackberries?
Share your recipes, suggestions and experiences with us!
I always thought I didn’t like blackberries. Then one day at the store my daughter wanted to buy some. (We try a new fruit/veggie every week). Turns out I love blackberries! They are the cheapest berries currently and I’ve been getting them weekly. I like to eat them plain but your yogurt sounds scrumptious!
Yes, Anna,
Isn’t it wonderful how cheap they are now? I keep buying them up! However, last week I paid $1.99 a pack; then a few days later they were 2 for $5. Today they cost $4.99. I think the party is over, however, something else yummy and organic will be discounted soon!
I’m a huge blackberry fan too! And I had no idea you could make raw coconut yogurt! As a vegan I really do miss yogurt. Can’t wait to try it. I’m off to check it out! Thanks for sharing with Raw Foods Thursdays!