Gooseberries, native to Europe, are large, plump round berries with smooth or furry skins. Sharp-flavored green gooseberries are best suited to cooking; sweeter red ones may be eaten raw. They are in season early to midsummer. Select unbruised, slightly soft berries with a deep color and an inviting fragrance. Store unwashed and loosely covered in a single layer on a tray or platter lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for a few days.
For other berry varieties, see blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, fraises des bois, loganberries, raspberries, and strawberries.