Information about Fruits: Berries

About berries various kinds including cranberry, raspberry and strawberry, information about the fruit, production, history and varieties in the world.

FRUITS OF THE EARTH

Berries

Blackberry. It is abundant in eastern North America and along the Pacific coast. The U.S. is the only place where blackberries are cultivated as a crop (about 10,000 acres). They are a good source of iron and vitamin C. In one of the battles of the Civil War, a truce was declared so that men suffering from intestinal complaints could forage openly for blackberries around the battlegrounds. Blackberry Cordial: Boil for 10 minutes in a pint of hot water a cupful of ripe berries, 2 cups honey, 2 or 3 cloves, and 2 sticks of cinnamon. Let cool, stir, and strain. To the liquid, add an equal amount of port wine. Dose: 1 tablespoonful in warm water as needed for diarrhea.

Blueberry. Also called "bilberry." Most of the several species in North America are gathered in large quantities in the wild. In the U.S. they are primarily cultivated in New Jersey, southwestern Michigan, and eastern North Carolina (about 20,000 acres). Elizabeth White is given credit for "taming" the blueberry. She used to offer prizes for the largest wild blueberries. The Dept. of Agriculture got interested and started crossbreeding the winners in 1909. Blueberries provide a good source of iron. Berries should be washed just before using.

Cranberry. Found in the temperate boglands of northern North America, Asia, and northern and central Europe. In the U.S. more than half of the crop is grown in Massachusetts, around Cape Cod. They are also grown in New Jersey, Wisconsin, and near the coast of Washington and Oregon. They were originally called "craneberries" because they were so popular with the cranes. They are recommended as a diuretic and the Indians used cranberries as an antidote for blood poisoning. They also cooked them with honey or maple sugar and served them with their favorite dishes.

Mulberry. About 12 or 15 varieties are native to temperate Asia and North America. Mulberry trees line the streets of many American cities including Austin, Tex., and Salt Lake City including Austin, Tex., and Salt Lake City, U. The leaves of the white mulberry are fed to the silkworm in China. A very sweet delicious berry when ripe.

Raspberry. Cultivated in England, Scotland, and the U.S. (about 20,000 acres). Most of the U.S. production is on the East Coast and in Washington and Oregon. Raspberries contain vitamin C and iron. The leaves are a popular tea for menstrual cramps. Raspberry Mousse: 1 cup raspberries, 1 cup cream, 1/3 cup raw honey, 2 tsp. vanilla, pinch salt, 2 egg whites, stiffly beaten. Crush raspberries, whip cream, add honey, vanilla, and salt, and fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Turn into freezer tray of refrigerator and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.

Strawberry. The U.S. leads in world production, followed by Poland, Yugoslavia, East Germany, and Italy. Strawberries are easy to grow. Spraying is not as necessary as some of the commercial growers would like us to believe. They are rich in vitamin C and provide iron and other minerals. They are said to be good for gout and scurvy.

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