Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries and strawberries are all delicious as part of breakfast, as snacks and of course, desserts!  But they are more than tangy, sweet and tasty. They have fiber, which is good for digestion. And they also contain magnificent amounts of specific antioxidants that neutralize damaging free-radical molecules by preventing them from oxidizing in the body.

For years we’ve known that the skin of edible berries contain large amounts of beneficial polyphenols that are potent antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that researchers have shown to 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.
Here at Old Ocean House Farms, we lovingly cultivate delicious organic berries: blueberries, blackberries, cherries and raspberries, selling them at farmers’ markets for you and your family to enjoy. And there will be plenty of other farmers with berries at the market as well!