Sweet and juicy blueberries may just be nature's sweetest bite in a tiny package. And since they are such a handy, on-the-go fruit, there's no reason you can't enjoy them all day long.

Indigenous to North America, blueberries were used by Native Americans for both medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. They start out tiny and green; as they grow, they develop a high level of the pigment anthocyanin, which is what gives them their vibrant blue color.

Buying and Storing

Fresh blueberries are available in some parts of the country all year 'round, but they are best from mid-July to September. Be sure to select blueberries that are plump, firm and uniform in size. They should be covered in a chalky, white bloom --  a sign of freshness. 

Keep the beries in a cool place or in the fridge. Before using, discard any shriveled berries and quickly run the remainder under cool water to wash. To freeze berries and hold on to their peak of freshness for mid-winter enjoyment, lay well dried blueberries out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze; transfer to a zip-top bag to store. Try a few frozen for a great snack.

Nutrition

Blueberries are nutritional all stars. According to www.blueberrycouncil.org, not only do blueberries contain merely 80 calories per cup and virtually no fat, they are packed with vitamin C and are an excellent source of fiber. The blueberry is known as a “superfruit” because it has significantly high levels of antioxidants, shown to combat disease and aging. 

See Five Ways with Blueberries for quick-and-easy  ways to enjoy this gorgeous fruit.

Our Favorite Blueberry Recipes

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Blueberry Cheese Pancakes

A touch of wheat germ adds an extra bit of goodness to Grandma’s special blueberry hotcakes.

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Blueberry Cheese Pancakes