Blueberry

Blueberries by the box. Firmer and much longer-lived than strawberries, which makes them the practical berry — they will still be good four or five days after delivery.

Straight from the box, through a yoghurt or an oat bowl, folded into pancakes and muffins, or simmered for four minutes with a spoon of sugar into a compote that keeps a week. They also freeze better than any other berry and can go into a blender straight from frozen.

Look for a dusty silver-blue bloom on the skin — that is natural wax and a sign the fruit has not been handled much. Shiny berries have been washed or rubbed. Red or green shoulders mean unripe, and blueberries do not sweeten after picking.

Fridge, unwashed, in a container with a little airflow. Pick out any soft ones when you get them.

Wash just before eating. Five to seven days refrigerated, months frozen.