Berries

July’s NH Harvest of the Month: berries!

There are over 400 types of berries in the world. Generally berries are small, juicy, plump fruits with a roundish shape, and typically with the word “berry” in their name. Familiar berries include blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, goji berries, açai berries, mulberries, huckleberries, barberries, goose berry, elderberries, lingonberries, currants, and cranberries.

In New Hampshire, you can find blueberries raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, elderberries, and husk cherries also called cape gooseberries.

The baobab tree is known as the “tree of life” in Africa. Baobab berries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They have a tangy, citrusy flavor and are often used in drinks, smoothies, and desserts.

The black mulberry is native to Iran (Persia). This berry has a pleasant sweet tart flavor and can be used in place of blackberries or raspberries in any recipe.

Goji Berries are a small, red berry that grows in the Himalayan region of China. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor and are loaded with vitamins. They are often used in smoothies, teas, and health foods.

Indian Gooseberries are native to India where they are called Amlas, and are used primarily to make amla juice.

This webpage includes a variety of educational materials, activities, recipes, and more about berries for use at home, in youth or family programming, in the classroom, and in the cafeteria. For more New Hampshire Harvest of the Month resources for July, click here.

Lesson Plan for Berries

Developed in partnership with UNH Extension, NH Farm to School, and the UNH Education department, the Harvest Lessons lesson plan and curricular activities can be used by education professionals to incorporate berries into dynamic, long-lasting learning in the classroom and other education-based settings.