Blackberries & Raspberries: Fruit/ Vegetable of the Month

Raspberries and Blackberries are members of the rose family and are native to Asia. These sweet berries grow on thorny bushes which grow wild in many areas of the world. Some berries are a hybrid of raspberries and blackberries: tayberries, loganberries, and boysenberries. Besides red raspberries, raspberries can be yellow, orange, or purple/black.
Raspberries and blackberries are considered as super fruits because they are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals which promote health and inhibit growth of cancerous cells. (details)
Both raspberries and blackberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, and folate.

Children naturally enjoy these deliciously sweet berries. Top oatmeal, dried cereal, granola, yogurt, or green salad with berries. Make smoothie with a banana a couple handfuls of berries, yogurt and ice.

For a great math and science activity to complete with children, purchase raspberries (in various colors if available), blackberries and any available hybrids such as boysenberries. For a group activity, have everyone taste each berry and record each person's favorite on a chart. Create a bar graph to show which berries are most preferred. If you don't have a large enough group for the project, taste each berry and describe the differences between each berry- taste, appearance, size.... After you are finished, you can throw them in a pie shell or make a fresh berry cobbler to enjoy!

If you are a child care provider in California you can receive cash reimbursements for providing healthy food to the children in your care. If you are a child care provider in El Dorado, Alpine, Placer, Nevada or Mono county our agency can help you enroll in the California Child Care Food Program (CCFP).

Wild blackberries growing along a bike path in Oregon.

Recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables varies with age.

Children ages 2-3 need   1- 1.5 cups of fruits and 1- 1.5 cups of vegetables each day.

Children ages 4-8 need   1-2     cups of fruits and 1.5-2.5 cups of vegetables each day. 

Children ages 9-13 need 1.5-2  cups of fruits and 1.5-3.5 cups of vegetables each day.

Teens ages14-18 need   1.5 -2.5 cups of fruits and 2.5-4 cups of vegetables each day.

Keep in mind that fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimum growth and development. Check out  CDC's fruit and vegetable calculator for an more accurate recommendation based upon age, sex, and activity levels.

Remember your plate.......

Half of your plate should have fruits and vegetables