The local season for raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries and apricots is in full swing and Tasmania’s cool climate and slightly later summer provides the perfect growing conditions for these delicious fruits.

Take the opportunity now to freeze berries using these tips and you’ll always have berries on hand for a smoothie or a batch of muffins.

Homemade jam is always better (and cheaper) than store-bought; use this guide to make jam like a pro. Keep an eye out in the stores for our larger punnets of jam raspberries which are extremely good value this time of the year and of course perfect for making jam.

Cherries are superb preserved in syrup for use in desserts over winter, or pickled as a condiment to serve with roasts or with cheese and charcuterie.