Thursday, July 26, 2007
Product Review: Trader Joe's Blackberries in Light Syrup
Tsk, tsk, late with my entry today. Ah, well, it happens from time to time - it is summer, after all. And what better to consider in this season than berries. Blackberries. I'm lucky to live in a part of the country where fresh berries are available in season. But if the season is over, or if you're not near farms, your choices might be more limited.
We recently purchased a jar of Trader Joe's Blackberries in Light Syrup - 15 ounces for $1.29, which is certainly cheaper than getting even a half pint of fresh. My test bed was a couple of scoops of French vanilla ice cream, berries put on top. It's a good thing I had the sweet base, because even being in light syrup, these berries had a sour kick to them. Now, berries, like most fruit, are unpredictable. I've bought pints where some were sweet and others sour. But, so far, each of the berries had that combination of sweet (presumably from the syrup) and sour (from the berry).
They do look nice and ship in a glass jar, so they don't get crushed or otherwise mangled on their way to your fridge. But I'd be careful in how and where I used them. This can be a way to add a decorative touch to a dessert, as you'd probably have enough sweet taste already where the contrast might work. Given the yin/yang taste, you might be able to use them in something savory - for example, as a condiment to game meat. Just don't spoon them out and not expect a slight urge to pucker.
We recently purchased a jar of Trader Joe's Blackberries in Light Syrup - 15 ounces for $1.29, which is certainly cheaper than getting even a half pint of fresh. My test bed was a couple of scoops of French vanilla ice cream, berries put on top. It's a good thing I had the sweet base, because even being in light syrup, these berries had a sour kick to them. Now, berries, like most fruit, are unpredictable. I've bought pints where some were sweet and others sour. But, so far, each of the berries had that combination of sweet (presumably from the syrup) and sour (from the berry).
They do look nice and ship in a glass jar, so they don't get crushed or otherwise mangled on their way to your fridge. But I'd be careful in how and where I used them. This can be a way to add a decorative touch to a dessert, as you'd probably have enough sweet taste already where the contrast might work. Given the yin/yang taste, you might be able to use them in something savory - for example, as a condiment to game meat. Just don't spoon them out and not expect a slight urge to pucker.
Labels: blackberries, jar, Trader Joe's
