Do You Really Know Your Berries?
Widening Your Berry Horizons
Most of us know which foods can be considered fruits and which can not. Many of us also know many of the foods that fall under the definition of berries. For example, we all know that blueberries, strawberries and raspberries all fall under the berry category. that being said, recognizing a berry isn't always as easy as reading into the name.
What Is a Berry?
In general terms, a berry is a fleshy fruit that contains seeds on or within its flesh. While many berries are easy to recognize (such as strawberries, blueberries, huckleberries, etc.) some are not so easy to spot.
Did you know that, technically, tomatoes are considered berries in terms of botany? This is because the entire ovary wall of the tomato plant is edible when ripened. Grapes, avocado, pomegranate, and guava are also considered berries by many in the scientific community.
Growing Rare Berries
If you feel as though you're in a "rut" with your berry growing and the typical berry garden just isn't doing it for you anymore, you may want to consider expanding your berry horizons. Many berry growers find it beneficial to grow some of the rarer berries when they become bored with their current berry lineup.
If you're interested in adding some rare varieties to your berry garden, consider goji berries, currants or gooseberries. If you can't find these berry plants at your local nursery, you should be able to order them online. Just make sure the online nursery has a quality and delivery guarantee.
While these berries are rarer than some of the other home-grown berries, they aren't too difficult to grow. If you don't live in the appropriate climate, you can grow them indoors or use an outdoor greenhouse in milder climates.