Who doesn’t love pie, especially when the fruit is ripe for the picking. This berry pie is packed with antioxidant-rich berries, making it delicious and nutritious.

Why use berries?

These dark berries (and the darker, the better), have polyphenols which contain vitamin C but also have proanthocyanidins. Proanthocyanidins scavenge for free radicals, which prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species, and damage to DNA. They also inhibit lipid peroxidation, inhibit glucose production and block activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

In other words, berries provide concentrated antioxidants to keep your heart, brain, and body healthy while reducing risks of diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and more.

Pie Recipe – Vegan, Gluten-Free

For the crust:
1 c pecans
1 c almonds – or nuts of your choice.
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp ginger
a sprinkle each of clove powder, all spice and nutmeg.
1 c+ pitted medjool dates – may need to add a couple more if mix feels dry.

Put it all but the dates in a food processor with the S blade and blend until a powder. Add the dates and mix until well chopped. This is where you may need to add a few more dates if the mixture doesn’t hold shape well.

Press into a standard 9” pie plate along the bottom and up the sides. Place in the freezer and make the filling.

Filling:
Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, whatever looks good to you. You will need enough to fill the pie plate to the top edge. For this I used blueberries, and raspberries as they are in season, and frozen blackberries from last summer.
3 tablespoons kudzu
1 1/2 cups berry juice of your choice
1 tbsp maple syrup or agave

Add kudzu to pan with berry juice and sweetener. Let kudzu dissolve for a few minutes, then place over medium heat. While you wait, remove crust from freezer and arrange fruit. Place back into the freezer to continue to chill.

Bring mixture to a low boil while continuing to stir. Turn heat down and and continue to stir until it thickens – about 8-10 min.

Remove from stove and pour over berries. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 min or until set.

Enjoy!