The juicy, dark sweetness of blackberries never fails to bring back memories. Family fun or just a celebration of summer often involves that blackberry flavor . . .whether in pies or as a topping for ice cream. As a breakfast booster on cereals and waffles or hotcakes, blackberries are a favorite and nutrition plus. And don't forget that special dessert of blackberries layered with custard and cake . . . a colorful summer treat.

Blackberries are high in nutrition and low in calories . . . an ideal fruit to add to a well-balanced diet. Just one cup of blackberries provides 8% of the daily need of vitamin E and 7% of total potassium needs. The same one-cup also contains 135 mg of omega-3 fatty acids.

• As with other berries, look for freshness in your market.
• Firm, dark-colored fruit with a fresh shine indicates good quality.
• Watch for signs of mold and rinse fruit thoroughly before using.

More information about blackberries can be at
http://nutrition.about.com/od/fruitsandvegetables/p/blackberries.htm