Rasberry Harvest Season to Start Soon

BLOOMFIELD, NY (07/02/2007)(readMedia)-- The fresh strawberry season in most parts of New York State is still in progress, and will continue into early July. With improved varieties, New York growers can offer consumers a longer period of harvest, and some farms have varieties lasting well into early summer. The Fourth of July is a great time to enjoy ice cream and strawberry shortcake. Berries are one of the more healthy foods for kids and adults, and a great summer treat still available at local u-pick farms and farm markets.

And just in time to continue enjoying fresh New York berries, the raspberry season is just starting. Raspberries are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid, iron, and potassium. They are high in natural antioxidants. Red raspberries contain substantial quantities of ellagic acid, a phenolic compound that has become known through scientific research as a potent anti-carcinogenic/anti mutagenic compound. The anthocyanins prevalent in red raspberries help protect against heart disease.

Both red and black raspberries are available from New York berry growers, and many have fall raspberry varieties to extend the season for fresh berries. Fresh raspberries are a great snack, or addition to other recipes. Raspberries can be picked fresh and frozen for later use, and research has shown that frozen raspberries can have the same nutritional value as fresh berries.

Consumers and interested media can go to the New York State Berry Growers Association website – www.nysbga.org – and in the “find a farm” link, search for local raspberry growers by county. Local growers can provide up to date harvest information for their areas. Consumers can also find growers who raise blueberries, currents, gooseberries, and other berry crops.

Please visit the website, or contact the New York State Berry Growers Association at goodberries@frontiernet.net, or call 585 657 5328.

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