Berries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be found in many regions across the world, including Michigan. With a wide variety of edible berries growing in the state, there is a type of berry to suit everyone’s taste. Berries are not only delicious, but they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that provide numerous health benefits.
In Michigan, some of the most common types of edible berries include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries. Each of these berries is unique in its flavor, texture, and health benefits.
Strawberries are a sweet and juicy berry that is popular for its delicious taste and vibrant red color. They are a great source of vitamin C, folate, and potassium. They are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radical damage.
Blueberries are another popular berry found in Michigan. They are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and dark blue color. Blueberries are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. These antioxidants are believed to help prevent various diseases and improve overall health.
Raspberries are a tart and juicy berry that is packed with vitamins and minerals. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, which are essential for good health. Raspberries are also a good source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Blackberries are a sweet and juicy berry that are popular for their rich flavor and deep purple color. They are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Cherries are a sweet and juicy fruit that is often eaten fresh, but they are also popular in baked goods, jams, and juices. Cherries are a good source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
In addition to the health benefits of berries, they are also a great addition to any diet because they are low in calories and high in fiber. Berries are also easy to incorporate into a healthy diet, as they can be eaten on their own or used in a variety of dishes, including smoothies, salads, and baked goods.
There are many different types of edible berries that grow in Michigan, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and health benefits. Whether you prefer sweet or tangy, each type of berry is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to improve their overall health.
Here are three recipes for you to try with fresh Michigan berries.
Cherry Blueberry Raspberry Crisp
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of pitted cherries
- 2 cups of fresh blueberries
- 2 cups of fresh raspberries
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the fruit mixture into a 9×9 inch baking dish and sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Michigan Cherry Clafoutis
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh Michigan cherries, pitted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Spread the cherries in the bottom of the prepared pie dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cherries in the pie dish.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Michigan Blueberry Crumb Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Michigan blueberries
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla extract.
- Beat in the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the sour cream.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, then sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!
Three Daughters Farm 