The berry picking season has officially started. 

Now is the time to take a drive to a 'pick-your-own' farm to gather healthy and delicious fruit, and experience something fun for the entire family. 

It is a bit late for strawberry picking, but blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are ripe for the picking. 

Blueberries

The powdery white "bloom" on this useful berry is an indicator of freshness.  Select your blueberries carefully as they do not ripen after they are picked in late July and August.  Select those that are large firm and plump. Did you know that the little blueberry is actually a relative of flowers such as azaleas and rhododendrons? 

Raspberries

These glamorous fruits have the reputation as luxury foods, and are served at elegant restaurants. The picked berries are perishable  and delicate, with harvesting in July and August. They may develop a layer of mold quickly, so eat them soon after they are picked.

Blackberries

The dark sweet blackberry was traditionally used by Native Americans to dye cloth. Those ripe for picking (late July and August) are a cross between wild native varieties and garden plants from Europe. 

As for calories, all berries are below 75 calories per 1.2 cup serving, with raspberries only 40 cal per serving. They are packed with vitamin C, and are a good source of fiber. Emerging research that has placed berries at the top of a list of fruits that contain powerful antioxidant potential. It is believed that antioxidants help protect the body against the progression of some cancers and heart disease.

That said, be careful. Only pick and eat berries that you can identify or that are suggested by the farmers at the orchards.

Following is a listing of some of the better farms nearby. In addition to berry picking, the farms have stores, activities and trails. They also have areas to picnic, so be sure to check out each listing for directions and details.

Bartons Orchards, 63 Apple Tree Ln., Poughquag, N.Y. 845-227-2306

Greig Farm, Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, N.Y. 845-758-1234

Secor Berries & Pumpkins Farm, 63 Robinson Ln., Wappingers Falls, N.Y. 845-452-6883

In nearby Connecticut:

Bishop's Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, Conn., 203-453-6424

Roses Berry Farm, South Glastonbury, Conn., 860-633-7467.

If you are in the Hamptons try:

Hanks Farm Stand, Montauk Highway, Southampton, N.Y., 631-726-4964

Recipe: Fresh Berry Trio

After spending some time picking or shopping for  summer berries I am sure that you will find that they are delicious "just the way they are."

Try this:

Ingredients

1 cup fresh raspberries

2 cups fresh blueberries

1 cup fresh blackberries

Directions for Preparation

Sort and discard mildewed or bruised fruit. Wash very carefully. Pat with a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture.  Combine the berries in a bowl and stir well.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

If you would like, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or top with light whipped cream.