Fruit tastes best when eaten on the day it is picked. You can pick your own fruit or buy it freshly picked from the farm shop. Also homemade jams and desserts may not be cheaper than some supermarket alternatives, but they taste much better!

Strawberries - Season June and July
• The best fruit is usually at the furthest corner of the patch
• Prevent fruit getting squashed by using shallow containers
• Leave the hod (green leafy bit) in - fruit lasts longer
• One kilo of strawberries will give 6 average portions
• Do not wash - they lose their flavour and natural shine
• Strawberries lose shape after freezing, unless you slice them and freeze laid flat on shallow trays

Raspberries - Season Late June to early August
• The best fruit is usually under the leaves
• Use small shallow containers to prevent squashing
• A ripe berry can be pulled off its 'plug' easily
• Pick very gently and place (not drop) in a container
• Raspberries are great for freezing

Gooseberries - Season June and July
• Pick wearing gloves to give protection from thorns
• A thick skinned fruit that can be washed in cold water
• Gooseberries freeze well - topping and tailing is optional

Blackcurrants - Season July into August
• Blackcurrants are great for freezing
• Ideal for jams or desserts