blueberry

Often confused with huckleberries, blueberries are round, smooth, blue-black-colored, sweet and juicy berries. These berries may be small, but they are packed with lots of antioxidants and have a low sugar contents, making them one of the healthiest fruits. Just 1/2 cup doubles the amount of antioxidants most Americans get in a day. If fresh blueberries aren't available, use canned -- the levels of flavenoids in canned blueberries are comparable to fresh. Surprisingly, acid rain has stimulated the growth of natural stands of lowbush berries in some inland areas by reducing the pH level of the soil.

plural: blueberries

Ingredient

Season: May - October

How to select: Blueberries do not ripen after picking, so select them to use.

How to store: Store unwashed for a few days in the refrigerator in layers of paper towels and covered in plastic wrap up to 5 days.

Blueberries also freeze very well, and once defrosted, can be used identically to fresh berries in almost any way(pancakes, baking, jams, etc).

How to prepare: Wash only when you are ready to use in jams, pies, pancakes, salads or out of hand.

Matches well with: apples, apricots, blue cheese, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, cream, custard, ginger, honey, lavender, lemon, lime, maple syrup, peaches, raspberries, sour cream, strawberries, sugar, thyme, yogurt