Berries - Health Benefits of These Superfoods

Berries are small, colorful fruits that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. They are known for their various health benefits.
Category
Food
Where to get
Seasonally available in grocery stores, farmers' markets, and can be frozen for year-round consumption.
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

berries FAQ


Image credit: parade.com

What is a berry in English?

In everyday English, a "berry" is any small edible fruit. Berries are usually juicy, round, brightly coloured, sweet or sour, and do not have a stone or pit, although many small seeds may be present.

Is a berry a fruit?

The common usage of the term "berry" is different from the scientific or botanical definition of a berry, which refers to a fruit produced from the ovary of a single flower where the outer layer of the ovary wall develops into an edible fleshy portion ( pericarp ).

Are berries botanical berries?

There are several different kinds of fruits which are commonly called berries, but are not botanical berries. Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are kinds of aggregate fruit; they contain seeds from different ovaries of a single flower.

What are the different types of berries?

Many berry varieties are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Some of the healthiest types of berries are blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. There are also some exotic types of berries such as goji and acai berries that are praised for their health benefits. What Fruits Are Berries?

What is the botanical definition of a berry?

This, however, is the botanical definition of a berry. In the culinary world, we think of berries a little differently. Generally berries are small, juicy, plump fruits with a roundish shape, and typically with the word “berry” is in their name. You can usually eat a berry in one bite or 2-3 if you are savoring it.

What is the difference between a berry and a botanical berry?

The differences between the everyday and botanical uses of "berry" results in three categories: those fruits that are berries under both definitions; those fruits that are botanical berries but not commonly known as berries; and those parts of plants commonly known as berries that are not botanical berries, and may not even be fruits.

berries References

If you want to know more about berries, consider exploring links below:

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