Sumptuous Raspberries

Need a good reason to enjoy these sweet, succulent berries? New research shows that raspberries may have 10 times more antioxidants than tomatoes or broccoli.

In a recent study published in BioFactors, researchers from Plant Research International, Wageningen, The Netherlands, explored the disease-fighting compounds, antioxidant potential and health benefits of the raspberry.

In addition to vitamin C and anthocyanins, raspberries contain some specific antioxidants that are found almost nowhere else. The researchers found that 50% of the mighty power of this tiny berry comes from ellagitannins, found also in small doses in strawberries.

Because raspberries spoil rapidly, storage and processing can affect the antioxidant content of the fruit. The good news is that while flash freezing can destroy much of the vitamin C, the antioxidant capacity of the raspberry remains.

The variety and method of growing affects the amount of antioxidants, too. Research shows that berries grown organically have a higher antioxidant capacity than those grown “conventionally” with health and environment-damaging pesticides.

Stock up on these berry-delicious disease-fighters. Look for organic, flash frozen raspberries (try Cascadian Farm) and enjoy these antioxidant-rich treats.