In Season: Blueberries
When I was pregnant with my third child, I craved blueberries all the time. These days, the berries make their way onto my breakfast and snack table almost daily. They’re a definitely healthy powerhouse — full of vitamin K, vitamin C, the mineral manganese and the mega-antioxidants, anthocyanidins. Here’s how you can show some blueberry love, especially during National Blueberry Month!
When, Where & What
Blueberries are part of the heath family, which also includes cranberries and azaleas. Our regional blueberry season runs from about June to early September, but you can always find New Zealand blueberries at your market (for a higher price, of course). There are two main varieties of blueberries: the high-bush ones, which can grow between 6 to 12 inches high, and the low-bush ones, which are only around one foot high and are found in Canada and northern U.S.
While researching, I found this cool pictorial showing how blueberries are cultivated — from bush to cardboard box. Did you know that a single bush can produce as many as 6,000 blueberries a year? Cultivated blueberries are mildly sweet, while wild ones are more tangy and tart. They grow in clusters and, depending on the variety, can be as small as a pea or the size of a marble. The berry’s skin ranges from a deep blue to maroon to purple-black, while the flesh is a translucent whitish color with tiny seeds (that you can eat, no worries).
Nutrition Facts
One cup of blueberries contains 84 calories, 21 grams of total carbs and almost 4 grams of fiber. They’re an excellent source of vitamin K (beneficial for bone health), the antioxidant vitamin C and the mineral manganese. They’re also packed with antioxidants called anthocyanidins, which are found in foods with the blue-red color and some research has shown may help protect against prostate cancer and glaucoma.
What To Do With Blueberries
Blueberries and breakfast foods go hand-in-hand in my home. A spoonful typically goes on my girl’s plates every morning. I toss a handful in oatmeal, cold cereal, yogurt or into pancake batter. Blueberries are also a flavorful addition to smoothies — especially freshly frozen ones. If you decide to use pre-frozen ones, check the label to make sure no sugar was added.
Blueberry muffins are the most popular muffin in the U.S. (and the official muffin of Minnesota), but many packaged or bakeshop muffins contain upwards of 400 calories. Try baking your own healthier version like these ones with coconut and macadamia nuts.
In the summertime, I toss berries in a spinach salad for some added tanginess. For a special dessert, I surprise my kids by placing blueberries in an ice-cream dish and topping with some whipped cream.
Shopping Tip: Choose blueberries that are brightly colored, firm and dry. Lightly shake the container to see that the berries move freely and aren’t stuck to the bottom (that’s a sign of moisture, moldiness or decay). You can store berries unwashed at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Wait to berries until you’re ready to serve them; otherwise they tend to get moldy.
I do love blueberries, but they're so expensive around where I live. I have to get some for blueberry pancakes though!
Everybody loves blueberries. Of all the known benefits, I pick the mega-antioxidants effect as the most important. This process prevents the occurrence of many diseases and acts like the proverbial An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Blueberry Compote is well suggested. An all natural delicacy from Ellie.
Try getting them from Costco, they are cheaper than the grocery store and you get a whole lot more!
I WOULD LIKE TO FREESE SOME, HOW?
Wash them and dry completely. Lay them in single layer on a cookie sheet or tray and freeze them on the try. You can then bag them in freezer bags and they will stay separated.
Hi Annette,
For more information on freezing blueberries click here.
I snack on a cup of blueberries on the way to work. Just don't drop one in the car and forget where it fell. I love blueberries and sprinkle a few on a salad.
Whats the nutrient value of dried blueberries?
We freeze them on a cookie sheet WITHOUT washing to keep them firmer. We then sccop them up measure them and put them in a freezer bag them marking the bag for number of cups and the date frozen. When we take them out to use we rinse them at that time.
I don't see anyone mention organic blueberries. It almost seems like you're defeating the purpose of ANY fruit or veggie if you buy them with all the chemicals on them. Besides..have you ever TASTED organic blueberries?? SOOOO much better!!
Anything organic tastes better; however, when it can't be found, fresh is best. Check pkg for the nutrient value of dried. Bev, you're absolutely right in how to freeze to keep separated. The sky's the limit in how to use.
does any one know a recipe (easyish) for blueberry scones?
I freeze all of my berries in the same package I bought them from the market-unwashed.
I love Blueberries. I freeze them and they are handy in bags in my freezer.
Blueberry Scones
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Blueberry-Scones/Det...