How to choose, store and prepare the berries

How to choose: Look for berries that are brightly colored, taut and shiny. Dull or wrinkly skin can be a sign that berries are over the hill. Check the bottom of the baskets as well to ensure there isn't leakage from damaged berries that may be hidden.

How to store: Berries are very delicates and should be refrigerated strongly sealed.

How to prepare: With good berries, keep it easy: Sugar them lightly and set them aside to exude a little syrup, and then fold them into lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Blueberries used to be almost exclusively the product of cool, wet areas like Maine and the Michigan peninsula. In recent years, new varieties that don't need as much cold have been introduced, and now blueberries are being grown even in Southern California.