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BLUEBERRY CULTIVATION UNVEILED: INSIGHTS FROM EXPERIENCED GROWER, BRAD HOCKING

Blueberries have gained popularity worldwide due to their health benefits and delightful flavour. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating world of blueberry cultivation and speak with Brad Hocking, an accomplished grower with extensive experience in the field. Join us as we explore Brad's journey as a grower and uncover the secrets behind successful blueberry farming.

THE HISTORY OF THE BLACKBERRY

Cooked in a recipe, preserved in jam or perfect on their own, sweet but tart blackberries are a common favourite. The deliciously juicy and plump blackberry has been enjoyed over time, not only as a sweet treat but also as a natural dye or a treatment for illnesses like gout. We explain the history of the blackberry, the differences between wild and store-bought blackberries and how to grow your own!

WHY BLUEBERRIES ARE GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN

There’s no doubt that having beautiful, healthy and glowing skin is a high priority for the majority of people. With a booming industry dedicated to achieving optimal skin appearance, there is no shortage of products promising to transform your skin. But did you know that what you eat can also play an important part in helping you maintain great skin? Blueberries in particular have been found to provide a wealth of benefits to your skin. We investigate why blueberries are good for your skin and how you can maximise their benefits!

WHY YOU NEED MORE FIBRE IN YOUR DAILY DIET

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies need to stay healthy. Problem is, many Australians aren’t getting enough of these readily available super-molecules.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACKBERRIES

There’s something special about the rich taste and juicy plump texture of a blackberry. Regardless of whether you enjoy them in baked goods, in a savoury sauce or in the company of other fresh berries, blackberries always add a burst of flavour. But much like other sweet berries, it’s not uncommon to wonder about the healthiness of blackberries and whether they are good for you.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES

When it comes to fruit, strawberries are a firm favourite due to their bright colours, ability to grow year-round and sweet taste. Perfect in smoothies, with yoghurt, in desserts or even on their own, there are multiple ways to enjoy these delicious berries. But, how healthy are strawberries and are they actually good for you?

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are renowned for their gorgeous appearance and juicy flavour. As the edible fruit of the Rose family, adding raspberries is an easy way to make any meal feel special and give a pop of colour. It’s not uncommon to dismiss the healthiness of raspberries due to their sweet flavour, however the iconic berries are packed with nutrients and hidden health benefits.

MEET OUR BERRY GROWERS: JEMMA & ROLY MACKINNON

Growing delicious raspberries is a labour of love; berry farmers Jemma and Roly Mackinnon are up to the challenge! Find out more about the Mackinnon's from Mountford Berry Farms.

THE BEST WAY TO WASH RASPBERRIES - A HOW TO GUIDE

BERRY INSPIRING RECIPES FROM OUR FRIENDS AT EVERYDAY GOURMET

PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR WINTER

Feeling the chill in the mornings as the days shorten? Dreading the inexorable march into winter? ​Before the real shock of winter hits, give your mind and body every chance to make it through the coldest months without being struck down by the dreaded winter lurgies.​

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE DELIGHTFUL RASPBERRY

Each raspberry has an exciting journey from the farm to your fridge. Did you know it takes five to seven years to produce a berry variety before it hits your local market shelves! Follow along for an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey of our fresh, beautiful, and delicious raspberries.

EASE INTO AUTUMN WITH THESE HEALTHY HABITS

As Australia’s long, hot summer draws to a close, it’s time to embrace the mild mellifluence of autumn. This gentle season of transition is the perfect time for you to look after yourself in both body and mind, in preparation for the cold months ahead.

ON THE PATH TO ORGANICS: MEET THE 'ORGANIC IN-CONVERSION' BLUEBERRIES

Health and wellness are top priorities for us here at Driscoll’s – and for so many of our customers. It’s why we’re super excited to announce that some of our blueberries are on their way to being free from any pesticide residue or synthetic chemicals.

HOW TO HAVE A MERRY, SOCIALLY DISTANCED FESTIVE SEASON

This year, for many people around Australia, the festive season is going to look a little different. Loved ones may find it hard to travel from afar, work Christmas parties may take on a different tune, and some holiday traditions will need a rethink. Even though the risk of transmitting or acquiring Covid is falling day by day in Australia, we all know how quickly things can change – particularly as people start moving around the country more. With this in mind, it pays to maintain a Covid-aware attitude during the silly season. So what does this mean?

HANDY HINTS FOR A HEART HEALTHY SPRING

After a long and often sedentary winter where you’ve spent more time snuggled up on the couch than heading out and about, it’s time to get active and give your heart a healthy dose of TLC.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR WORKING FROM HOME

Hands up if you’re finding it hard to get into the rhythm of working from home? You’re not alone. So many of us are in unchartered waters, trying to tick things off the work to-do list amidst the many distractions of home life.

3 EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNITY, NATURALLY

Are you constantly checking the news for evidence of a flattening curve? Worried about your loved ones, or your own risk of catching COVID-19? While the best thing you can do right now is to #stayhome, there are many other great things you can be doing – not least of which is boosting your immunity.

ENGAGING INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS: UNLEASH THE FUN!

Are you looking for captivating indoor activities that will keep your kids entertained and engaged? Look no further! From challenging treasure hunts to building cardboard towns and energetic indoor games, these activities will provide endless hours of enjoyment for the whole family.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT PANCAKE

Pancakes are a weekend breakfast ritual for many families. With no school or work to rush off to, you have plenty of time to leisurely mix a delicious batter, let it rest and then cook your fluffy pancakes to perfection. It all sounds rather ideal … until you flip that first pancake and it’s a flop. The good news? Making the perfect pancake can be done if you follow these five simple tips.

HOW BLUEBERRIES HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES

Widely recognised as one of life’s most impressive superfoods, blueberries are good for you in so many ways. Helping to prevent Type 2 diabetes, and to manage the condition if you already have diabetes, is just one of them.

TODDLERS AND THE COMMON COLD

Toddlers and runny noses … they seem to go hand-in-hand, don’t they? But when does a runny nose mean something more? Here, we look at the common cold in toddlers and what you can do to make your congested child a little more comfortable.

8 TIPS FOR HEALTHY EYES

​Not only are our eyes are windows to the world, but from birth to old age, 80% of our learning happens through visual processing. We've gathered a few tips that can give you the best chance of maintaining a crystal clear view of the world for years to come.

6 TIPS FOR A COSY NIGHT IN

​Yes, summer is awesome. But those long, balmy nights can get a little, dare we say it, same-same. As summer draws to a close, do you find yourself yearning for an excuse to snuggle up at home and have a blissfully cosy night in? We certainly do!

BERRIES ARE NATURE'S MULTI-VITAMIN

There are so many ways that berries are good for you. Here are some of the most celebrated nutrients, vitamins and minerals that transform berries into super foods.

HOW TO EASE BACK INTO YOUR HEALTH ROUTINE

The start of any season is a great opportunity to re-set your attitude to health and fitness. Autumn, with its cool mornings and milder days, is one of the best seasons for smashing your exercise and wellbeing goals. It’s not too hot; it’s not too cold. As Goldilocks would say, it’s just right. If you need a little inspiration on how to be your best self this autumn, then read on.

QUICK BERRY BUYING TIPS

Once we send our delicious gems off, mother nature or supermarket stock rotation can affect your berries, so we have compiled a few quick tips on how to make sure you take the best of the best punnet home!

5 TIPS TO MOTIVATE YOUR KIDS TO DO HOMEWORK

No matter what your school’s policy is when it comes to homework, you can do your bit by developing your own policy for helping your children be their best. So, next time you ask “How’s that homework coming along?” you’re more likely to get a positive response. Here’s how.

5 WAYS TO START THE WEEK OUT RIGHT IN AUTUMN

There’s an unmistakable chill in the morning air when autumn rolls around. Those blissfully warm and bright summer mornings are slowly but surely being replaced by later sunrises and a brisk chill – which makes it harder and harder to get out of bed. While autumn certainly comes with its perks – such as a beautiful tapestry of colours and milder days – the darker mornings can play havoc on the healthy habits you’ve built up over summer.

HERE'S WHY THE KETO DIET MAY NOT BE FOR YOU

If you’re thinking about giving the ketogenic (or ‘keto’) diet a go, perhaps in a bid to lose weight or become more healthy, then you may want to think again. Despite being lauded by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and the Kardashians, the keto diet is not all that it’s cut out to be.

8 REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO EAT MORE BERRIES

Berries are in a league of their own when it comes to their health benefits. Here are some ways that they outperform other fruits.

HEALTHY HACKS FOR THE FOODS YOU LOVE

Are you feeling the effects of an extended silly season? A thickening of the waist, perhaps? Less energy than usual? If you over-indulged in December and January, then it’s time to reset your habits and gear yourself up for a healthy year ahead.

PERFECTING YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL ROUTINE

The final weeks and days of the school holidays often pass in a blur of play dates, trips to the beach or pool, outings and more. Despite best intentions, the first day of school arrives and you realise that one child has the wrong sized uniform and another child is missing half the items on their booklist. We’ve all been there.

JUST A HANDFUL OF BERRIES FOR YOUR BRAIN HEALTH

Researches continue to share new findings that show how berries are really good for you. Here, we look at how just a handful of berries can benefit your brain health!

CREAM OF THE CROP: SEASON'S FINEST BLACKBERRIES

Discover the sweetest and juiciest blackberries goin' round ...

EASY HACKS ON HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR BERRIES

Berries are in abundance this time of the year; here we have a few easy hacks on how to best consume your berries for every type of berry lover!

25 MUST DO SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

Sunshine and school holidays mean two things; kids at home looking for ways to stay entertained, and parents looking for ways to stay sane! The team here at Driscoll’s knows exactly how that feels, so we’ve put our heads together to bring you 25 of our favourite ways to keep kids entertained during the summer break. Let’s dive in with our top indoor and outdoor entertainment hacks, so you can stay busy, whatever the weather!

POWER UP YOUR DIET WITH THESE 10 SUMMER SUPERFOODS

Eating well is bang on-trend right now. From rainbow-coloured poke bowls to ultra-nutritious smoothies, people from all walks are embracing this new food movement of eating well to look, feel and perform at your best. Increasingly, research is showing that the right foods can help us lead longer, healthier lives. Dubbed superfoods (and for good reason, we reckon), they can help improve our mood, focus, energy, skin and metabolism. Food for thought, indeed. Question is, which foods are best for you? What are some of the tastiest, healthiest foods to add to your summer menu? Here's how to graze your way to a supercharged you.

10 TIPS FOR A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS FEAST

Is it your turn to host Christmas lunch? Don’t let your stress levels skyrocket during the festive season! We’ve got 10 simple tips to keep cool and under the pressure and make your Christmas catering more manageable and, dare we say it, fun.

5 JOBS ON OUR SPRING CLEANING TO-DO LIST

​Who doesn’t love a freshly cleaned home? And we’re not talking just your standard dust, vacuum and mop. We’re talking about the type of clean that comes around once a year: the Spring Clean.

BERRY BENEFITS FOR YOUR BODY

Berries are good for your body, in more ways than many people realise!

HOW TO COMBAT THE 3 O'CLOCK SUGAR CRAVINGS

We’ve all been there. Everyone has food cravings at some point. Here are some of the more common causes of food cravings – and how to combat them in a healthy way.

SUPERFOODS: DO THEY REALLY HAVE SUPER POWERS?

Are superfoods worth the hype? More importantly, are they worth paying that little bit more for, compared to your run-of-the-mill foods? We think so!

FRIENDS VS. FOE: WHOLE FOODS AND PROCESSED FOODS

Health professionals and nutritionists encourage us to eat more ‘whole foods’ (those that are nutrient-dense) versus ‘processed foods’ (those that are energy-dense). Question is, how can you change up your diet to ensure you get more of the good stuff, and less of the bad stuff?

EMBRACING AUTUMN IN AUSTRALIA: MAKING THE MOST OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS

With the long hot days of summer behind us, now is the perfect time of year to get out and get active. Here are our favourite autumnal activities.

DELICIOUS AND HEALTHY WAYS TO ENJOY BERRIES ALL DAY LONG

Berries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. They can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the day, from breakfast to snacks and even desserts. Here are some creative and easy ideas to incorporate more berries into your diet and reap their health benefits.

FUN AND UNUSUAL BERRY FACTS

Humble little berries are full of surprises. Not only are they nutritional superfoods, but they are very interesting in many other ways, too.

HOW TO PULL OFF THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS BBQ

Is it your turn to host a Christmas gathering? Read on for tips on how to transform a humble backyard barbecue into something special.

WHY YOU SHOULD EAT THE RAINBOW

When it comes to vegetables, you should aim to eat a rainbow of different colours every day. The different colours each have their own nutritional benefits – and your body benefits from them all.

NEW BLUEBERRY VARIETY BURSTS ONTO THE BERRY SCENE

Blueberry fans, rejoice! A new variety – which may just be the most delicious, flavourful blueberry ever developed – is now being grown in Australia. Meet the Arana blueberry.

FIVE FUN ACTIVITIES TO TRY WITH YOUR FAMILY

If you’re sick of seeing weekends fly by in a flurry of organised sport and too much TV, then it’s time to shake things up a little!

WHY YOU NEED MORE FIBRE IN YOUR DAILY DIET

Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies need to stay healthy. Problem is, many Australians aren’t getting enough of these readily available super-molecules.

HOW TO HOST THE ULTIMATE DINNER PARTY

What are the secret ingredients in the ultimate dinner party? We all know that great food, freely flowing drinks and fabulous conversation are a must. But how do you take a Saturday-night soiree to the next level?

BERRY NUTRITION AT A GLANCE

Berries are bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that are incredibly good for you.

NATURAL CONTROL IS BEST FOR BERRIES

Natural pest control is the ideal way for home gardeners and commercial farms to manage pests. It limits the use of harmful insecticides, instead letting nature take its course. Here, we explore some of the good bugs in the garden and in the berry patch.