Innumerable types of berries grow in the temperate and northern regions of the world. Delicate berries would shrivel under the heat of a tropical sun, but they thrive in the cooler Scottish summers. Long daylight hours ensure they have plenty of time to ripen and develop a full flavour . The main berry growing areas in Scotland are in Tayside and Fife but other areas include Grampian, the Highlands, Arran, Ayrshire and the Borders.
Berries contain high levels of compounds
which are thought to be protective against disease. They fit in well
with the requirements of a healthy diet because they have a low fat
content, low levels of sodium and are high in vitamins, minerals and
various phenolic compounds. Research has shown that many types of berries
consistently contain some of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit.