Gooseberries
Gooseberries cleanse the digestive system but the green ones can cause a stomach ache when eaten in great volume. My brother found this out when we were children finishing up in hospital overnight. I didn't like the green ones much but when they turned red they were very tasty. We used to hunt out the big plump red ones. Our mum was very adept at making jams and other treats with both the prolific berries and the black and red currants we had growing in the back yard. One bush might yield between eight to ten pounds of fruit. The peel is the tart portion of the berry with its pulp being sweeter. It is picked under-ripe and used for tarts or picked ripe for a variety of sweet desserts. A famous recipe is the “fool” which is cream folded into the stewed berries. Other popular forms of consumption include jams, jellies, juices, and liquors. Vitamins, Minerals, and Phytochemical Components These nutritious berries are rich in vitamin C, and also contain vitamins A and D. They are an excellent source of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, niacin, iron, and dietary fiber. Most importantly they contain ellagic acid, a component that does not break down during cooking and is a natural cancer-fighting agent. Scientists measure amounts of major anthocyanins (chemical that affects a berries color) and pigment content in order to recommend the best cultivars for harvesting and consumption. It is found that the darker the berry the healthier its benefits. Medicinal Uses Based on Scientific Studies Coming Soon
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