Raspberries can be a low carbers more friendly fruit !

Raspberries can be a low carbers more friendly fruit, and English raspberries are making their earliest-ever appearance on supermarket shelves after a trial crop was grown during the sunniest winter since records began.

Waitrose will stock the Chichester glasshouse-grown Diamond Jubilee berries from 26 March, claiming it is the first time consumers have been able to enjoy locally grown varieties in March.

The berries are grown in glasshouses by Harry Hall, who supplied the supermarket with the first strawberries of the season earlier this month.

Laurence Olins, chairman of industry body British Summer Fruits, said the berries were the result of a trial plot of the "very sweet" Diamond Jubilee berries planted by Mr Hall.

Just 200kg of the berries are expected this week, but there should be around a tonne produced every week afterwards.

Mr Olins said: "This is probably the earliest we've seen English raspberries."

The early delivery follows British-grown strawberries becoming available weeks earlier than previous years.

This is thanks to the weather this winter, which the Met Office has said was the sunniest since records began in 1929.

The figures for rainfall and temperature were average, but the number of sunny days was 125% of the long-term average.

Waitrose's raspberry buyer Nicki Baggott said: "This is the first time we've been able to offer British-grown raspberries so early in the year.

"It's incredibly unusual to have these ready in March, but a combination of growing techniques and the perfect weather have meant we can sell these juicy delights earlier than ever."

Raspberries were once regarded as a late summer crop, but British Summer Fruits said growers are using new varieties and innovative methods to extend the season.

Original article here:

http://travel.aol.co.uk/2015/03/26/sunny-winter-brings-early-british-raspberries/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cuk%7Cdl7%7Csec3_lnk4%26pLid%3D339445

All the best Jan

I probably have berries and double cream for dessert 90% of the time, usually raspberries and blackberries, sometimes blueberries (a bit more carby though) or strawberries. Before diabetes I lamented the times when such berries were very seasonal and you looked forward to them, now I'm glad/relieved that you can get them all year round despite the air miles associated with them.

Yes, I agree blueberries are slightly more 'carby' than raspberries, strawberries, blackberries - so just a few less of them maybe? As always if you need to keep a close eye on your blood sugar numbers test is best.

Although we do have to look at the air miles involved in bringing us not only fruit but other foods, we are fortunate to have such a wide choice.

However, you can't beat home grown and I know many at this time of year are planting seeds and getting their fruit and vegetable patches in good order.

I think Mo said he was growing parsnips this year .......  I can remember my parents, and before that my Gran, had a wonderful rhubarb patch -  and many who live in flats/apartments grow herbs etc indoors.

Anyway may just have to keep an eye out for English Raspberries

All the best Jan

Why not may a low carb trifle and use some gorgeous fresh summer fruits ... raspberries or strawberries for instance?

http://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.co.uk/2011/11/lowcarb-trifle.html

All the best Jan