Ripe Blueberries
National Blueberry Month is in July when blueberries are reaching peak production. Blueberries are marvelous little berries that grow on bushes. These versatile berries are in season from May to October. Blueberries are nutritious, rich in antioxidants and contain Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene. This is a wonderful time to celebrate these little berries fresh, frozen, canned or dried. Here are ways to fit blueberries into your summertime.
Instructions
1. Choose fresh blueberries that are firm and plump. Their skins should be smooth. Do not buy blueberries that are soft or shriveled. Refrigerate the berries immediately. Do not wash blueberries until you are ready to use them. If you cannot use the blueberries within a week, freeze them for future use. Discard soft or bruised berries. Freeze the healthy blueberries dry and unwashed. Put them in a resealable freezer bag or freezer container. Take out a handful of berries as needed, wash them and use in your favorite recipe.
2. Make a healthy breakfast by adding blueberries to your morning fare. Layer granola, yogurt and blueberries into a soda glass or sundae dish for a festive parfait. Mix pancake batter and add berries for classic blueberry pancakes. Fold a cup of fresh or drained canned blueberries into bran muffin batter. These recipes start the day with a blueberry boost.
3. Have lunch with blueberries. Toss them into chilling gelatin, green salads and fruit dishes. Perk up grilled chicken salads with fresh or dried blueberries and fine shredded cheese. Sprinkle blueberries over open-face chicken or turkey sandwiches. Make a fast and healthy lunch starting with a canned pineapple slice on a plate, adding a scoop of cottage cheese and topping with blueberries and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
4. Bake with fresh, frozen or canned blueberries. Use them in fruit pies, cobblers and cookies. They add flavor to other cooking fruits such as apricots. Add a handful to poultry dressing. Sprinkle over poultry dishes as a garnish. Mix them into loaf cakes and breads.
5. Snack on fresh blueberries. They are ready to eat alone or mixed with other berries and nuts. Sprinkle blueberries over yogurt or ice cream. Fold them into tapioca pudding and spoon into ice cream cones. Drop them in the blender with your favorite smoothie recipe. Or toss some blueberries into iced lemonade and sit back to enjoy your blueberry celebration.
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