Berries

Did you know that...

It is possible to buy plastic free berries. Picking your own berries is one of the best ways to go zero waste and a fun activity to do with your friends kids. Love your berries even more, by learning how to buy, store and cook them.

Buy

• Look for firm texture, bright and little bit shiny in colour—blemishes or looking a little hazy means that they are reaching the end of their prime. They can still be used. Just look at the recipe below.
• Check for mould around packaging and between berries.
• Grow your own berries. Strawberries can be grown in hanging pots, while blueberries will do well in a large pot. Make sure they get direct sun and suitable drainage.

Store

• Do not wash until ready to use.
• Keep in dry containers with good airflow.
• Keep them on shelves in the fridge. Avoid the crisper drawer.
• Make the most of your berries by freezing them.

Cook

Leftover oven berry jam

Makes 1 small jar of jam

Jam is a great way to preserve excess berries whether you have a punnet or that last (almost) mouldy handful. This quick recipe works for any berries minus the long wait over a stove. Lemon contains naturally occurring pectin which helps set the jam. Use your jam on toast, pancakes, desserts or make our French toast for something a bit more fancy-pants.

Steps

Storage

Once the jar cools down, store in the fridge. It will last a year or longer due to the sugar.

Zero waste tip

Make your jam go even further and turn it into a berry sauce! Heat jam in a small saucepan on low, with a bit of water to thin the consistency. Cool slightly and use like a coulis on ice cream or yoghurt.

Reference

Recipe inspired by Cornersmith’s Strawberry Oven Jam