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Berries from Spain (Huelva and Extremadura)

Strawberries and raspberries are instantly recognisable fruits. Their vibrant colours make many people associate the fruit with summer, but now summer can be enjoyed early. The delicious, sweet taste of Spanish strawberries and raspberries means that they are no longer a British seasonal treat and can be enjoyed from as early as December.
Spanish blueberries and blackberries are also giving Britain a taste of the summer as early as March, and brightening up the winter months with some varieties available October to December.
The favourable climate of Spain helps to produce full flavoured succulent berries, which are ideal for a healthy snack and perfect for keeping those hunger pangs at bay. The Spanish growers work to high standards to ensure the berries are bursting with flavour and goodness and now with new means of production, the fruit is the best it has ever been.

Raspberries and strawberries are grown mainly in the region of Huelva in the South West of Spain.
Encouraged by the light sandy soil and warm Spanish climate, strawberries and raspberries can be grown high up on ridges. Their roots are then warmed by the sun to produce healthy and delicious fresh fruit. Huelva’s Mediterranean climate is also ideal for the cultivation of juicy blueberries and blackberries.
Raspberries are also grown within the Jerte Valle in the Extremadura region in the west of Spain and due to its sunny climate are available until July.

NUTRITION - STRAWBERRIES

1 handful of strawberries (around 9 strawberries) gives you (approximate value): *

Less than 30 calories
They have only 0.1g of fat and no cholesterol
Less than 10g of carbohydrates
Good source of vitamin C
20% of the recommended daily intake of folic acid
High in fibre
(*Source McCance and Widdowson's "The Composition of Foods", sixth edition)

NUTRITION - RASPBERRIES

1 handful of raspberries (around 9 raspberries) gives you (approximate value): *

Only 25 calories
They have no cholesterol
Less than 5g of carbohydrates
Good source of magnesium
Ellagic acid can be found in raspberries and acts as an antioxidant to help reduce the growth of cancer causing cells
High in fibre and iodine
(*Source McCance and Widdowson's "The Composition of Foods", sixth edition)

NUTRITION – BLUEBERRIES

100g of blueberries gives you (approximate value): *

Just 57 calories
No fat or cholesterol
Less than 15g of carbohydrates
A good source of naturally occurring antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E
One of your 5-a-day **
(* Source Nutritiondata.com)
(** Source NHS 5-a-day rough guide - portion sizes)

NUTRITION – BLACKBERRIES

100g of blackberries gives you (approximate value): *

Only 25 calories
Just 0.2g of fat
A good source of fibre and manganese
One of your 5-a-day **
(*Source McCance and Widdowson's "The Composition of Foods", sixth edition)
(** Source NHS 5-a-day rough guide - portion sizes)