Berries, as many of us know, are bountiful foods - a cupful of strawberries provide a day's vitamin C, the same amount of blackberries covers our daily manganese requirement and, according to research from Oregon University, may protect against lung cancer.

Blackcurrants and boysenberries contain compounds which protect our vision and may even help prevent cell damage which leads to Alzheimer's.

A further berry bonus is being explored at the University of Cincinnati, where bilberry juice is being tested for its ability to improve memory in older people, while in Copenhagen researchers have found that powdered rosehip is three times as effective in reducing osteoarthritis pain as paracetamol - with none of the side effects. (Rosehips are also one of the richest sources of vitamin C.)

Known as the Winter Wellness berry, the elderberry was considered a Holy Tree in the Middle Ages: modern research from Austria shows it can help lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.

Hibiscus berries can help liver recover from exposure to toxins and drugs, according to researchers at King Saud University. Two cups of hibiscus tea a day may also lower blood pressure by as much as 11 per cent in the over 50s - and it doesn't have to be drunk daily to maintain the benefit.

Barberries, those deliciously tart berries found in Middle Eastern dishes, have a reputation as liver cleansers, stimulating bile, improving digestion and helping to clear jaundice.

Prescribed by herbalists for bladder infections, juniper berries may increase the rate at which the kidneys filter wastes, too. (Traditionally juniper berries were used to bring on labour, so this is not one for pregnant women.)

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• We consider blackcurrants to be the finest of berries, both for flavour and nutritional benefit.