Monday, December 15, 2008

Gooseberries - One of the Lesser Know Berries but All so Good

By KC Kudra

If you are not familiar with them, gooseberries can seem strange. These little berries look a lot like grapes - even their texture is similar. However, pop one in your mouth and you will be surprised by their sourness. However, despite their sour flavor, there are lots of things that can be done with this fruit. They are delicious in toppings and deserts, and a little research will show that they are good for you, too.

Despite being fairly small, gooseberries have a lot to offer in the nutrient department. They contain a lot of potassium, for instance. This is a very useful nutrient that can help bring down high blood pressure, as well as reducing problems that come with hypertension. While you do not have to eat 106 gooseberries a day for this kind of benefit, a few can really help.

Gooseberries also are full of vitamins A and C, which we need to function healthily. Because of their high levels of vitamins and minerals, these berries are often recommended to pregnant women. This natural source of many important nutrients is easy to digest and its vitamins are easily absorbed.

So, how do you eat them? There are lots of options, even straight from the carton. These grape-like little berries lack bitter seeds, and can be eaten whole. The lack of a need to remove those bitter seeds means that gooseberries are a great candidate for desserts, as well as for eating alone.

If you do not like very tart fruit, you might want to try another serving option. For instance, you can split your berries, then sprinkle them with sugar, creating a sweet but healthy treat. Some people choose to add salt instead of sugar to this fruit, resulting in a sour and savory treat.

You will also find that there are some great desserts that can be made with gooseberries. Try mixing some diced gooseberries and strawberries, simmering them with sugar and either fruit juice or white wine and adding some potato starch, and then chilling.

The resulting thickened syrup is terrific on pancakes, waffles, or crepes and is quite popular in Europe, particularly the Scandinavian countries. You will also find plenty of recipes for "gooseberry fool," a particularly delicious dessert if you look online.

This fruit is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants something a little bit different. You can find it in the farmer's market stall or your local grocery store, ranging from light green to a darker reddish purple. Just remember to ask for a sample, since these fruits vary as much as the grapes they resemble. There are plenty of different ways to eat gooseberries. Look online for that perfect gooseberry recipe options and a whole lot more! - 16003

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