For years we’ve known that the skin of edible berries contain large amounts of beneficial polyphenols which have potent antioxidant activity.  Antioxidants are disease fighting compounds that we believe help repair or prevent damage due to the stress of oxidation, a process that occurs naturally during normal cell function.  Exposure to certain environmental and chemical pollutants can increase the amount of oxidation and damage to the cells in our body.  But beyond that dark red and purple skin lies the pulp of the berry, chock full of vitamins, nutrients and fiber.

The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (June 9, 2004) published a comprehensive study that gauged antioxidant levels in more than 100 foods, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts and spices. Blueberries, blackberries, cherries and raspberries ranked high on the list.  That’s great news for those of us in Maine where these berries are grown locally and available at farmers markets!  Look for David and our berries at the Old Ocean House Farm stand down by the annex in Deering Oaks on Saturday.