Cooking Tips: Kitchen Tips & Hints Section

COOKING TIPS AND HINTS

Bacon   Bacteria in the Home   Bagels   Bagoong   Baking Powder   Baking Soda   Bananas   Banana Squash   Barley   Basil   Bay Leaves   Beans   Beans,dried   Bean Paste   Beef   Beef Bloom   Beef, Ground   Beet Greens   Beets   Belgian Endive   Bell Peppers   Bermuda Onions   Berries   Beurre Manie   Biscuits   Black Beans   Black Berries   Black Eyed Peas   BLT   Blueberries   Boiling, Boiling Point   Boniato,Cuban Sweet Potato   Bonne Femme   Borage   Borlotti Beans   Boston Butt   Bouquet Garni   Bread   Bread, High Altitude   British Cooking   Broccoli   Broccoli Rabe   Browning   Brussels Sprouts   Buffalo Meat   Bulgur   Butter   Buttercup Squash   Butternut Squash

See Food Facts & Trivia and Food Articles for additional information

See also: Article on Berries; Blackberry Trivia

BLACK BERRIES

Blackberries:
one quart = about 1 1/3 pounds

Blackberries have a similar appearance to raspberries, but they are larger, hardier, and have a dark purple to black color. In general for this berry, the more intense color, the more sweet the fruit. There are blackberry hybrids that include boysenberries, loganberries, and ollalieberries, which are all, tart tasting and primarily used in jams and pies. Blackberry peak season is June and July with harvesting beginning in May and ending in September.

Select blackberries that are unblemished dry, in an unstained container. Blackberries should be shiny and black — avoid those that are dull or reddish. Moisture will increase spoilage, so the berries themselves should be relatively dry. Shelf life for blackberries is short, and they should be consumed within 2–3 days of purchase. Eat at room temperature for fullest flavor.

Frozen Blackberries are available in 16 oz. poly bags. A 16 oz. bag of whole frozen blackberries is equal to about 3 cups frozen berries. Whole frozen berries destined for your baked goods should be used frozen. Gently fold into pies, cakes and muffins just prior to use. Store whole frozen berries in their unopened or tightly resealed packages in your freezer. If berries are to be served alone, thaw until they are pliable and serve partially frozen. Add sugar to taste — it brings out both the flavor and the luscious juices.
CDC.gov - 5 a Day