Blueberries

How to select

Choose blueberries that are round, firm, and dry. Fresh blueberries are a dusty blue color.

How to prepare

Rinse berries in a colander and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Discard any shriveled or moldy berries.
Blueberries can be eaten fresh or preserved by freezing, canning, or drying.
If baking with frozen blueberries, don't thaw before using or the juice and color will bleed or leak out.
Gently add berries to batter as the last step before baking.

How to store

Only wash berries right before you plan to use them.
Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Store unwashed berries in a container with a lid or with a paper towel above and below them to keep them fresher for up to one week.
You can freeze ripe berries in an airtight container or bag if they won't be eaten within 2-3 days of purchasing for up to 9 months; be sure to wash them first and remove any damaged berries.

Peak season

Summer

Ways to use

Add fresh or frozen blueberries to smoothies.
Blueberries are a great addition for any muffin, pancake, and sweet bread recipe.
Top yogurt with blueberries and granola.

Fun facts

Blueberries are one of few foods that are naturally blue due to the presence of a pigment called anthocyanin.
Blueberries have been eaten for more than 13,000 years.
North American indigenous people referred to blueberries as "star fruits" due to the blossom's star shape.

Nutrition info and facts

Blueberries contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than most other fruit. Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C. Blueberries are high in soluble fiber, which lowers cholesterol.

1 cup blueberries = 80 calories, 1 g protein, < 1 g fat, 22 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 15 g sugar