Tomatoes, melons and glowing ears of corn get all the harvest glory this time of year. But there’s a special juicy crop that’s difficult to beat: delicious berries!
Summer berries are a delight! They’re flavorful, versatile, low calorie and pack a healthy punch! Berries are part of America’s agricultural heritage and a fragrant seasonal treasure. Join us to celebrate all things berry!
Berry fresh
The versatility of berries doesn’t end with delicious treats, they also make incredible fragrances. The sweet, fruity and slightly tart notes of berries evoke a sense of warmth and happiness. They work well as bakery scents or in fruity, tart aromas.
Huckleberries are primarily harvested wild because they’re a challenge to cultivate. Montana celebrates the berry with fairs and festivals throughout the summer. They’re high in antioxidants.
Currants were banned in the U.S. because it was believed they carried a disease that harmed pine trees. The ban was lifted in most states in the 1960s, but many Americans remain unfamiliar with currants. They’re rich and tart and a great source of potassium and iron.
Delicious, sun-ripened dark berries are warmed with vanilla in Scentsy’s best-selling fragrance, Black Raspberry Vanilla. Experience this fan-favorite fragrance in nearly every Scentsy product.
Blackberries are cultivated but also grow wild across the U.S. Oregon leads the country in blackberry production. They’re super high in fiber and vitamin K. August is the peak harvest.
Raspberries produce fruit in both summer and fall and come in red, black, purple and gold. They’re rich in ellagic acid, an antioxidant that fights cancer.
Pinkberry Sandalwood combines delicious berry scent with fresh cherry, tonka bean and sandalwood for a memorable experience.
Mulberries are an ancient fruit that have different flavor profiles by color, including white, red or black. The primary food source for silkworms is mulberry leaves.
Gooseberries were first cultivated in Europe and brought to North America by settlers. They’re tart and tangy and work well in jams and pies. They’re rich in fiber and vitamin A.
Imagine the sweet and creamy aroma of freshly-baked Blueberry Cheesecake with a rich graham cracker crust and tart, fresh topping.
Blueberries are native to North America, and most are grown in Maine. They’re known for incredible levels of antioxidants, which give them their distinct blue hue.
Strawberries are the first fruit of spring and early summer, rich in vitamin C, folate and antioxidants. Most strawberries in the U.S. come from California, growing from April to June.
Berry delicious Summer Recipes
Berry good bars
This is a versatile summer dessert recipe that works with any berries you love. Choose something at the peak of season and mix and match as you like!
Crust and crumb topping
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 small lemon
Berry filling
- 4.5 cups fresh berries (chop larger berries)
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 tsp. cornstarch
- Juice of 1 small lemon
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9″ X 13″ pan with parchment and grease with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or a regular hand mixer, combine sugar, flour, salt and baking powder. Add the butter, egg, vanilla and lemon zest and mix until the butter is in small pieces and the mixture resembles large crumbs.
3. Place two-thirds of the mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan and press flat with a measuring cup or offset spatula.
4. Mix the filling ingredients in a separate bowl until well combined and spread evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the berry filling.
5. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the fruit bubbles. Cool completely, then refrigerate well before slicing.
Bright berry spritzer
Choose your favorite berries for this refreshing summer beverage, but blueberries, blackberries or raspberries work great.
- 2 cups berries
- ½ cup fresh mint or basil leaves, julienned
- 1 small lemon, sliced
- 1 large bottle of sparkling water, club soda or ginger ale
- Ice
Muddle the herbs, berries and lemon slices in the bottom of a pitcher. Add enough ice to fill most of the pitcher. Pour in bubble of choice and stir gently before serving cold!
Summer berries are part of America’s agricultural heritage, pack lots of nutrients and offer a delightful variety of flavors and uses. Enjoy this true seasonal treasure fresh, in a recipe, or as a fragrance!
Share your favorite summer berry treat in the comments!
