It's the peak of fresh berry availability all across the country, and we wanted to share these lovely photos of some favorite berries. Yum!

Berries signal the beginning of summer to us. Whether making jam with them, baking them in pies, eating them with ice cream or whipped cream, pureeing them in smoothies, or just eating them plain, berries bring a smile to our faces.

Berries are full of vitamins and good things such as antioxidants. Buy them now and savor summer's bounty, as they'll be gone in a few months' time. Get them at your local market, or take a field trip to a you-pick farm.

(Images: Kathryn Hill)