Gooseberries

Wash and dry thoroughly before storing. For freezing, spread on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container.

Gooseberries are quite tart when raw, so they often benefit from a little sweetener when used in desserts.

Their tartness also makes them a great counterpoint in rich or fatty savory dishes, like pork or duck.

Remove the tough blossom end before cooking.

The thorny bushes can be tricky to navigate; consider wearing gloves when harvesting.

Sugar

Lemon

Elderflower

Mint

Apples

Pork

Duck

Lamb

Not removing the blossom end, which can remain tough and unpleasant.

Expecting them to be as sweet as other berries like blueberries or raspberries; adjust expectations and recipes accordingly.