With summer officially in full swing, it's time to enjoy that sweetest fruit of all — the berry. Whether you love strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, you’ll find an abundant harvest of berry goodness from May to September. And best of all, fiber-rich berries — Phase 2 fruits — are a delicious source of disease-fighting antioxidants. Here are a few tips on how to buy, store, and enjoy berries this summer.

Buying Berries: At the grocery store or farmers market, choose dry, plump, and brightly colored berries with no obvious rotten spots. Avoid containers with juice stains — this is a sign that the berries either have been battered or are overripe. Also be on the lookout for moldy spots — mold travels like wildfire through berries, so avoid containers with signs of mold.

Storing Berries: After you've brought home your berries, store them unwashed in the refrigerator in a covered container. Fresh berries don't last long and are best used within two days of purchase. Berries can also be stored in the freezer for up to four months; just spread the berries out on a cookie tray and freeze before consolidating into a smaller container.

Eating Berries: When you're ready to use your berries, you can enjoy them as is, with a dollop of South Beach Diet-approved whipped topping, mixed in nonfat or low-fat plain or artificially sweetened yogurt, with high-fiber, whole-grain cereal, and even in salads. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to wash your berries before eating them, since they can often harbor bacteria.

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