Berries are some of the most consumed and used fruits on the planet, thanks to the many varieties available. Berries are considered a staple in the world of pastry and dessert. There are many ways to use natural berries in your dishes. For your restaurant to be successful, you need to include types of berries in many varieties on your menu, especially if berries are native to your area.

Growing berries is relatively easy, as information on how to do so is readily available from many sources. By growing your own instead of buying berries, you will have the freshest berries possible, from the plant straight into your recipes. If you don't have the room or green thumb, buy berries directly from berry growers and berry distributors. To find the best berry company, you should:

1. Peruse your recipes to determine the berry varieties you will need for the dishes on your menu and to determine new varieties you’d like to try.

2. Find a reputable berry farm in your area for fresh berries at the best price.

3. Purchase berries in bulk or wholesale to save money and help clear inventory from berry farmers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick the berry varieties you use most in your kitchen

There are many types of berries, including strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and raspberry varieties. The variety of berry you choose to use in your dish should depend on the intensity of the berry flavor you want in the dish.

I recommend: The National Gardening Association offers information on strawberries, raspberries and blackberries and their characteristics to help you choose the best berries for the dishes on your menu. Visit Healthy Recipes for more information on the many varieties and history of berries.

Find reputable berry brokers to supply your berries or grow them yourself

The best place to find the highest quality berries is at a local farmer's market or berry grower in your area. Another option, especially if you want more control over the quality, size and flavors of the berries, is to grow them yourself. This can be done by planting berry seeds or plants in Spring and tenderly caring for them until Summer when you can regularly harvest the berries.

I recommend: Naturipe Berry Growers is a family run berry farm specializing in strawberries. They offer a variety of bulk packaging options to give you choices in the quantities you order. Sweet Berry Farms is a u-pick farm offering strawberries and blackberries. When u-pick, you control cost and quality. Canter-Berry Farms has u-pick, we pick or specialty items, like jam, for incorporating into your recipes.

Purchase wholesale berries to save money

To save money on berries, purchase them wholesale. This is especially good if you need large quantities of berries (for award winning pies and desserts), need an assortment of varieties, or want to split the cost between two restaurants. Many wholesalers may also offer you loyalty or advance ordering discounts.

I recommend: Goji berries, a Himalayan berry known for its nutritional superberry, are available fresh, dried and all in bulk quantities. Gingerich Farms Products, Inc. ships Oregon blueberries wholesale any way you need them-- fresh, frozen, dried or organic blueberries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Think outside the box and cook down your favorite berry until it's thick syrup and put through a sieve for a sweet sauce to serve over beef.