Black-cap Fields On A Cold Oregon Day

Today we drove out to Forest Grove to a little lake on Beal Road...not much to see, but did spot some Wood Ducks, and it was a fun drive. Unfortunately, the shortened winter days brought it to an end, much before I was ready to stop taking photos!!! To see more of the photos from today, visit my FLICKR page.

Now...for the photo...taken on our way back from Forest Grove....As a child, my grandfather had several rows of blackcaps, which are unique to North America and are smaller and black with a core, much like our raspberries. I have always loved them, and they were always my pick of berries, when Grandma would ask which we wanted on our ice cream!!

Since they are black they've been used as a "dye" to label meat safely. In fact they are known as the KING of berries because of their ability to fight diseases. Here are some of the facts found online:

•Have extremely high overall level of phenolic compounds compared to other berries. Phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, gallic acid and rutin contribute to the healthful benefits of black raspberries.
•Contain high levels of anthocyanins, which give black raspberries their rich, dark color. Anthocyanins work as antioxidants to help fight free radical damage in the body.
•Antioxidant levels of foods are sometimes measured as ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity). The ORAC level of black raspberries is 77 μmoles/TE/g, about three times higher than blueberries, a very powerful antioxidant.
•Rich in ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a phenolic compound known to help fight cancer, viruses and bacteria.
•University studies are underway to determine black raspberries’ ability to slow the growth of certain cancers. In vitro studies have shown that extracts of raspberries and blackberries may slow the growth of breast, cervical, colon and esophageal cancers.
•Studies at Ohio State University showed a 60–80 % reduction in colon tumors in rats fed a diet with black raspberries added.
•Studies at Ohio State University showed an 80% reduction in esophageal cancers in mice fed a 5-10% diet of black raspberries
•Scientists from Ohio State are now conducting human clinical trials into the effects of black raspberries on colon and esophageal cancer in humans.