By Amy L. Dempster, Westford Eagle, link to article
In 1999 the United States Department of Agriculture designated July as National Blueberry Month. Though you would hardly notice signs of that unless you lived in Maine where blueberry festivals are abundant or you stroll through the farmers market on a July day.
Why aren’t blueberries given the same fanfare as the celebrated strawberry? After all the blueberry, grown in 35 U.S. states, is one of the few fruits that are native to North America along with cranberries and concord grapes. And, according to the online site www.trueberry.com, North America is the world’s leading blueberry producer accounting for nearly 90 percent of world production.
Nothing against sweet strawberries but you can have your strawberries and eat your blueberries too. And here is why you should.
According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, one cup of blueberries is merely 80 calories and packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber, and manganese which helps to convert food proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy. Plus they are leaders in antioxidant activity according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Trueblueberry.com describes, “Antioxidants help to neutralize harmful by-products called free radicals that can lead to cancer and other age-related diseases. These molecules battle cell and DNA damage involved in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other degeneration diseases.”
In other words, eat them because they are good for you. And here are some other interesting reasons to consume away.
Blueberries are versatile. They can be used to make sauces (both sweet and savory), in baked goods and desserts, and in smoothies and other fresh drinks. They can also be dehydrated for dry snack mixes or enjoyed simply on their own.
Blueberries lower cholesterol. A recent study led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture chemist Wallace H. Yokoyama shows that laboratory hamsters fed food with blueberry peels and processed blueberry juices had better cholesterol health than those without.
Blueberries are great frozen. Frozen blueberries are a cool snack on hot summer days and add some fun to water and summer ades or adult drinks such as white wine and other cocktails.
Blueberries prevent urinary tract infections. A Rutgers Cranberry Research Center in Chatsworth, New Jersey, study showed that blueberries share similar compounds with cranberries that can be used to treat and prevent urinary tract infections.
Blueberries are ripe right now and ready for eating. Massachusetts has many pick your own farms that are now open for picking. Or go to the Westford Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons and pick up some from Monadnock Berries or Springdell Farm.
RECIPE – Amazing Blueberry Muffins
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 -1½ cups blueberries
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk together the sugar, oil, egg, egg yolk, and yogurt until well combined.
- Pour the “wet” ingredients over the “dry” ingredients. Stir until just mixed together. Do not over mix – lumps are okay.
- Add blueberries and stir 3-4 stirs.
- Spoon the batter into each muffin tin about ¾ full.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden, puffed up, and a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
- Remove immediately from pan. Enjoy warm or store for 3-4 days in a sealed container.
