What’s in it for you?

Who can resist those small purple-blue fruits of the heath family? I can’t say I’ve ever met a soul who could not find at least some bit of attraction to these little gems.

Blueberries are a versatile fruit packed with health benefits ranging from cancer fighting properties to improvement of night vision. To get the greatest health benefit from blueberries, they are best eaten fresh or frozen. Little processing is preferred.

Blueberries, in season from May through October, are native to North America. Wild blueberries are smaller and more tangy than their cultivated counterparts. If you can get your hands on some, do try them. They will forever change your perception of blueberries.

When shopping for (or possibly picking your own) blueberries look for firm uniformly colored fruit with a white bloom. This white bloom is a protective coating that helps deter spoilage. To avoid removing this bloom prematurely, wash berries just before  you plan to use them. Fresh, unwashed berries should keep in the refrigerator approximately one week.

To find fresh local blueberries available for purchase or picking check www.pickyourown.org.

Blueberries are great eaten as is, stirred in yogurt or tossed on hot oatmeal. For a couple of more decadent ways to use blueberries check the recipes archive or click the links for blueberry pie and blueberry ice cream recipes.