Berry Good Advice
Bishop’s Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, recently announced the pick-your-own raspberry fields were open. The season is short, and depends mightily on the weather, so call first if you plan to go, at Bishop’s 24-hour phone information line, 203-458-7425 (PICK). Whether you get them fresh from the field, or off the shelf, here are some good tips from Bishop’s when it comes to keeping your berries fresh: “When wanting to store fresh, keep them dirty. Introducing moisture to the berries will cause them to go downhill quickly. Only wash the amount of berries you plan to eat, right before you eat them. Store raspberries dry and in a container in the fridge. Avoid keeping them in the coldest part of your fridge (usually in the back) or in the crisper. The best place in your fridge is where you’ll see them best, thus not forgetting them. If you are freezing your raspberries, Give them a wash and lay them out on paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, lay them on a cookie sheet and pop them into your freezer until frozen. Store the frozen berries in an airtight plastic zip bag or in a freezer-proof container. Frozen raspberries are perfect for smoothies, in any baked goods, and on top of your morning yogurt or oatmeal. Frozen berries will keep from 10 to 12 months. Label & date all storage bags and containers prior to storage.”
—Pem McNerney