Mother nature sure has laid a rich spread on her early summer table! Raspberries, strawberries, cherries, apricots, red & black currants, blueberries, blackberries ... all these delightful fruits are available in Central Europe (and not imported!!). The riper the fruit is when it is harvested, the greater its potential in vitamins and minerals ( the flavors are also more intense!). Mmmm, we better take a closer look!

The apricot shines especially bright with her high carotene content - of which she has more of than almost any other fruit. Apricots also provides us with the minerals calcium, phosphorus and iron, as well as vitamins B1, B2 and C - hence, the orange fruit with rosy red cheeks is a real all-rounder for our health. Apricots also have a positive effect on hair and nails, complexion, and immune system. Apricots could also stimulates our circulation. In addition, the salicylic acid contained in apricots has an antibacterial effect which helps kill germs in the gastrointestinal tract.

Strawberries are also are true power houses for our health: They have a high content of minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and folic acid and contain many vitamins (provitamin A, B2, B3, E, K, and 65 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams). In addition, the red, low-calorie delights detoxify the bowels, help build a strong immune system and metabolism, and can act as a diuretic.

Blueberries are rich in carotenes, that are like the armor that protects the immune system and the body's cells against bacteria and free radicals. Equally important, the concentration of vitamin C in blueberries helps protect your body from infections and colds. In addition, blueberries are high in tannin, which helps prevent inflammation and inhibits and kills bacteria.

Among the ingredients in raspberries are sugar, fruit acids, pectin, minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus, provitamin A and vitamins B1, B2 and C. Raspberry juice is often talked about in reference to its healing properties.

From a healthy point of view, the most valuable types of berries, however, are the currants.They belong to the acid-rich fruit family and provide important fiber that is rich in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, pectin, fruit acids (citric acid) and vitamin C.

Lastly, Cherries are rich in potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C. In addition, cherries provide phytochemicals that help to boost the immune system.