Page 27 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 139

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue 139 August 2024 27

Let It Grow – A Berry Good Summer

by activating a natural housekeeping mechanism. Berries
ByMarion Dalley
are a great source of antioxidants and flavonoids, both of
which are known to prevent cell damage, and can help stop
t has certainly been a good summer for growing plants of the progression of brain damage, such as dementia, from
Iall types, what with all the rainfall and hot temperatures. free radicals. They also reduce inflammation and increase
This is also true for berries; however, the excessive rain did neuroplasticity.
have a negative effect on a few types of fruits. Strawberries could cure your headache. Mother Nature has
The most obvious problem was with strawberries. This blessed us with plenty of homeopathic remedies, including
much loved fruit is best when picked right off the plant and strawberries. They contain natural salicylates, which is an
used immediately. Berries shipped in from out of province are active ingredient in aspirin.
usually tasteless, not as sweet or aromatic. I went strawberry Blackberries don’t start as black. They actually start out as
picking at local farms a few times this summer, and the red and become black when they’re ripe.
berries were abundant and lush. However, the vast amounts Raspberries stop growing. Unlike other fruits, raspberries
of rainfall did have a negative effect, as so many berries were don’t ripen any more once they have been picked, so don’t
left to rot on the vines. Very unfortunate for growers, as this wait too long to eat them once buy them.
could have been a record producing season. Bananas, pumpkins, avocado, and tomato are considered
Raspberries were also abundant this season. The fruit was true berries since they grow from flowers containing one
delicious this year, but again, too much rain causes crumbly ovary. Cucumbers are another type of berry, even though they
berries, and often, rot. seem more like vegetables! They grow from the flowers of the
However, there are so many other, less-popular, berries plant, and hold the seeds.
that are available to us. We also have access to the wonderful Batology is not the study of bats… it is the scientific study
blueberry, current, loganberry, blackberry, gooseberry, and of blackberries! of times a bee has landed on the berry flower to pollinate it.
boysenberry, to name a few. These berries can be used in Strawberries are a natural teeth whitener. Strawberry seeds Frozen berries are good for you. According to a study, it
many different ways. Some are great for snacking on, others may be a nuisance when they’re stuck in your teeth, but was found that ice crystals formed during freezing disrupt the
are perfect for a delicious jam or jelly. Add berries to your these red berries contain malic acid, which is a natural teeth structure of the berry’s plant tissue, making the antioxidants
morning cereal, to yogurt, as an addition to salads, or blend whitener. Mixed with baking soda, they may replace your that are present more available to the body.
berries into a smoothie. Berries make a great topping for commercial brightening strips. The moral of the article is that berries are terrific for you,
desserts, either whole, or in a sauce. The “bumps” on blackberries and raspberries are always and your taste palate. Eat them up now when they are fresh
Here are some interesting and quirky facts about berries. different. Thanks to our busy bees, the number of drupletes and juicy. We are so fortunate to have so many delicious
Berries make you more organized. Berries boost your brain that make up the berry is directly connected to the number berries available in our climate. Happy plotting – and eating!

Roxee’s Home Cooked Recipes

COWBOY BEANS
15 oz can white beans C O WBO Y BEANS
3 cans pork and beans
3 small onions
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup molasses
By Roxanne Prevost 3 tbsp yellow mustard
Directions:
This recipe is great to bring to a Cook the chopped bacon and set
BBQ, shower, or just any gathering. aside. In the same pan with the
It’s quick to put together and the bacon grease cook the ground beef
crock pot does all the work. Hope and onions. Drain the ground beef.
you enjoy it as much as we do. Next is easy; in the crock pot add all
Ingredients: the above ingredients including the
1 lb ground beef bacon, ground beef, and onions - stir
1 lb bacon chopped to combine. Set on low for 4 hours, Photo Submitted
2 tbsp bacon grease stirring occasionally. That’s it, your
15 oz can kidney beans Cowboy Beans are ready to serve.