Saturday, December 13, 2008

Gooseberry Recipes Are Waiting For You!

By KC Kudra

If you are unfamiliar with them, trying gooseberries can be something of an adventure. These homely little berries look a great deal like grapes, and even have something of a similar texture, but their sour taste can be a little bit shocking if you are unprepared. The fact is, gooseberries are quite popular in various desserts and toppings, and you will find that with a little bit of research that they can be quite beneficial for you.

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.

They also have lots of vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which are important in our daily lives. Since they are so full of nutrients, gooseberries may be recommended for pregnant women. This natural source of essential vitamins and minerals is more easily absorbed by the body.

So, how do you eat them? The simplest way is right out of the package. As mentioned above, these attractive berries are much like grapes, but without the seeds. That means that you can eat them whole, and that they can be used in gooseberry recipes without the time and fuss of deseeding.

Some people find that they are put off by the initial tartness of these berries. However, if you just split them in half and add a little sugar on top, they are much more pleasant. There are probably another 35 gooseberry fruit recipes for eating these berries fresh. For instance, some people choose to salt them instead of using sugar!

Desserts are another popular way to eat gooseberries. Dice a few strawberries and gooseberries, then simmer them with white wine, sugar, or fruit juices. Add a little potato starch and chill the result.

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! - 16463

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