The Deliciousness of Poached Berries

Healthy choices making the most of this summer season berries

Cooking berries enhances their flavour.

Keeps them longer, and deliciously ready for breakfast, snacks, dessert, or smoothies.

Berries are considered super foods, they contain beneficial antioxidants.

Cooking Tips:

• If you are cutting down on sugar, use sweetness like agave or maple syrup or honey

• The addition of star anise, vanilla bean straight from the pod, balsamic vinegar or black pepper are worth trying

• Cook less to keep fruit whole or more if you like it more pulpy, thickening is also an option. I use tapioca starch as a thickener, it gives a luscious glossy finish.

POACHED BERRY RECIPE

2 punnets of strawberries

1 punnet of blueberries, 1 punnet of raspberries

Agave syrup (sweeter than sugar), maple syrup or honey or sugar to taste

1 star anise/vanilla/splash of balsamic vinegar/black pepper

• Wash berries in a colander

• Hull (remove stalks) strawberries, slicing will release juices

• Add sweetner of choice

• Star anise or vanilla if you like

• Leave in the saucepan prior to cooking, for strawberries to release their juices I also add a little water at this stage

• Bring to the boil and reduce to a gentle simmer

• Cook for a few minutes for fruit to remain more whole, longer for a pulpy finish

• Tapioca starch mixed with a little water, added at this stage will thicken the mix

• If using thickening agent, make sure to continue on the heat to cook out the starch

• Cool and store in a ceramic or glass bowl in the fridge

- A great addition to breakfast with a bircher muesli or granola, almond or quinoa porridge

- Topping for a pancake or crepe

- Add to your morning smoothie with nuts, kefir and coconut water

- After school snack with natural yoghurt and nuts