What's Growing in July in the Food Forests?
As we enter mid-summer, food forests across the coalition have come alive with an abundance of fruits ready for harvest. This month, several perennials in particular are bursting with delicious and nutritious offerings. Let's take a closer look at what's growing during these summer months.
Honeyberries
Honeyberries, known for their cold hardiness, are a fantastic addition to New England food forests. These members of the honeysuckle family are non-invasive and flower in early spring, drawing in native pollinators. By early June, the fruit ripens and can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, or frozen. The thin skins of honeyberries make them melt in your mouth, providing a delightful eating experience.
Health benefits of honeyberries include:
high levels of potassium and calcium;
abundant Vitamins A and C (more than blueberries!);
anti-inflammatory properties.
Currants
Real currants belong to the Ribes family of flowering shrubs, which thrive in Northern climates with warm summers and cold winters. These tiny berries grow in clusters on stems and are best when allowed to ripen on the plant. Currants come in various colors, from deep dark purple (black currants) to brilliant ruby red and almost translucent white. They are versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, or as garnishes on desserts. Currant plants tolerate a variety of soils and produce abundantly without much pampering.
Currants are packed with nutrients, especially:
Vitamin C (three times more than an orange!);
lots of antioxidants;
soluble and insoluble fiber.
Sour Cherries
Sour cherry trees bloom in late spring, attracting beneficial insects and pollinators. By June, they yield bright red fruits. Though the trees are relatively disease-prone, the tart fruit is delicious straight off the branch and excellent for baking (think pies!) and making jams and preserves.
Tart cherries are a great source of:
antioxidants;
Vitamin C;
potassium;
anti-inflammatory properties.
Mulberries
Mulberries are another delightful addition to food forests, thriving in a variety of climates and soils. These trees produce fruit that ripens in early to mid-summer. Mulberries are similar in appearance to blackberries but grow on trees. They come in different colors, including black, red, and white. Mulberries can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in jams, desserts, and even wines. The trees are hardy and can withstand urban environments, making them ideal for community food forests.
Health benefits of mulberries include:
high levels of iron, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K;
abundant dietary fiber;
antioxidants.
The Community Impact
In our food forests, we strive to bolster food autonomy while bringing people together. Over 50,000 people live within a five-minute walking distance from the 10 (and counting) BFFC parks, and the harvest from these food forests contributes to the fresh, local food available to neighbors. Some parks have more food stores in their immediate vicinity than others, so the harvests help to supplement these resources.
One story of food forest harvests supplementing existing community food sources came from the stewards at the Upham's Corner Food Forest in Dorchester. One neighbor of the park made a three-berry cake using blueberries harvested from the food forest and blackberries and raspberries purchased from a nearby store. Such stories highlight the role that food forests play in promoting increased food access in our neighborhoods.
As we continue to nurture these perennial plants together, we're not just growing food; we're cultivating connections and resilience within our communities. So next time you visit a food forest, take a moment to appreciate the abundance and diversity of what's growing — and pick a handful of berries to enjoy!
