Raspberries and blackberries are highly perishable and are best eaten within one or two days of purchase.

Select raspberries that have bright colour and look firm in the punnets, that is not squashed or seeping juice or have mould. Some varieties are naturally a darker red and some varieties are not as glossy as others. Avoid buying very dark red, dull fruit as these are probably past their best.

Blackberries should be firm, shiny and not seeping juice. Check that there is no mould in the punnets. Some hybrid blackberries are a cross between raspberries and blackberries so have a red tone to the berry. They are not under-ripe. This is their correct colour for eating.

Store all berries in the refrigerator at 4oC, in the punnets in which they are purchased. Allow them to come to room temperature before eating. They can be used straight from the punnet or wash very gently with a light spray of water just before eating. Berries should not be washed before they are stored as they will go mushy.