Blueberries are a favorite fruit savored for the sweet-tart taste, blue color and spicy aroma. Loaded with vitamin A, C, E and beta carotene, blueberries are a healthy and tasty source of antioxidants. Since fresh is best, look locally for "u pick" blueberries and other fresh fruit.
Blueberries are native to North America and are found growing wild as well as cultivated from eastern Canada along the coastline to as far south as Florida. Blueberries have always grown wild in these areas and have only been cultivated as a farmer's crop in the last century.
Blueberries can be added to salads, pancakes, muffins, breads, or cooked in various desserts. Blueberries are cooked to produce syrups, jams and jellies. Fresh u pick blueberries are available for from May through October beginning in the south and moving northward as the weather warms up. Check local papers, market bulletins or the internet for local farms that allow pick you to pick your own.
Tips on Picking Blueberries
Check with the farmer to confirm the farm is a "u pick" farm. Confirm times, dates and prices before picking (most farms charge per pound or per bucket).Plan on carrying sunscreen, extra buckets, water and wipes along to the farm.
Look for berries that are round and blue without any cracks in the skin. Bigger blueberries are sweeter. Blueberries do not ripen after picking so avoid blueberries that are red or white in color for they are not ripe. Avoid small and hard blueberries as these blueberries tend to be sour.
- Picking blueberries is as easy as following this tip: If the blueberry comes off with just a light touch, it is ripe. If the blueberry doesn't then leave for another picking.
- Pick one bush at a time and gather the good, ripe blueberries and leave the rest to ripen for a later picking.
- Blueberries are blue; expect some blue stains on hands and clothes.
- Do not walk or stand on the plant roots as this can damage the plant.
After Picking the Blueberries
Take a few precautions to protect all work of gathering fresh berries. The following tips will mean fresh tasting berries for months to come.
- Don't place warm freshly picked blueberries in a closed bag or container. Moisture builds, ruining all the hard work and the blueberries.
- Wash the blueberries just before using them to prevent mushiness.
- Refrigerate or chill blueberries to increase shelf life. Fresh picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze blueberries in freezer containers without washing to retain the skins. Unwashed blueberries freeze individually for easy pouring of desired amounts for recipes.
Yummy Recipes - Perfect for Summer and Fresh U Pick Blueberries
Below are some recipes for delicious and healthy blueberry dishes:
Blueberry Walnut Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (10 ounce) package of mixed salad greens
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup of walnuts
- 1/2 cup raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing
- 1/4 cup crumbles feta cheese
Directions:
In a large bowl, toss the salad greens with the blueberries, walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Sever with feta cheese.
Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups blueberries
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 24 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
- In large bowl, beat eggs, gradually add sugar while beating. Continue beating while slowly pouring in oil. Stir in vanilla. In separate bowl, stir together, flour, salt and baking soda.
- Stir dry ingredients into egg mixture alternating with sour cream. Gently fold in blueberries. Scoup batter into prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Many fresh fruits and vegetables await those willing to enjoy some fresh air and get a little blue stain or dirt on themselves. Fresh is always more flavorful as well as healthier. Enjoy the produce of summer.
Lynette Partridge-Schneider - For Lynette Partridge-Schneider, animals have been more than just a lifetime adventure. Her love of animals is a passion. Since, her first ...
