Blackberries, 6 oz

Blackberries are known by a variety of different names including brambleberries, dewberries, and thimbleberries.

These plump, colorful berries are plucked from prickly cane bushes when they're ripe, so it's best to enjoy this tart summer treat as soon as possible.

Don't wash berries until you're ready to use them. To keep fresh, place in a single layer, loosely cover, and store in the produce drawer.

Blackberries also hold up well in the freezer. Gently wash the berries in a colander and dry on paper towels. Arrange the dry fruit on a cookie sheet, so they aren't touching each other and freeze overnight. Store in a sealed plastic bag and use in smoothies or milkshakes. The frozen berries brighten up a bowl of oatmeal during winter months.

Place blackberries in a colander and then dip in a bowl of cold water to wash. This will avoid crushing the berries which can happen under running water. Blackberries have a lot of pucker power to go along with those powerful antioxidant properties, so they benefit from a sprinkle of sugar to tame the tartness.

Show off the berry's versatility by making a quick pickle to toss with a green salad:

• Gently mash 6-10 berries and sprinkle with a teaspoon of sugar and a few twists on a black pepper grinder
• Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and let the mixture marinate for 5 minutes
• Toss with 4 cups of arugula, spinach or romaine
• Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and toss
• Season to taste with salt and additional pepper

Serves four as a starter.