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.