Tips on how to choose, handle and store these delicate beauties:

1. Most berries should be eaten right away. Store in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to three days.
2. Do not wash berries until you’re ready to use them. Wash strawberries with the hull on, then hull and slice them.
3. Freeze berries by arranging in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a plastic freezer bag or container to enjoy throughout the year.
4. Berries don’t ripen further once they’re picked. Choose berries that are fragrant and deeply colored. Avoid bruised, wrinkled or moldy fruit.
5. If you wish to make smooth, seed-free sauces, purées and jams, consider investing in a food mill. These hand-cranked sieves give you perfect pulp, leaving the skins and seeds behind.
6. Not only are berries bursting with flavor, they are also full of fiber, vitamin C and phytochemicals, which may deactivate potential carcinogens. And be glad for what berries are not full of: they are fat-free, low in sodium and nearly calorie-free.