August is wild blueberry month
The
blue-stained tongues and berry-kissed lips across cottage country are a dead giveaway: it's blueberry
season.
August is designated as Wild Bluebery Month by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA). Here are their food facts about this juicy little gem, plus some tasty recipes.
Wild blueberry facts:
- Wild blueberries are ranked as the #1 in antioxidant activity in more than 20 fruits.
- Not all blueberries are alike—wild ones have more beneficial antioxidants than their larger, cultivated cousins.
- Current research is being conducted to determine anti-inflammatory properties in the fruit’s flavonoids.
- Benefits include brain health, heart health, cancer prevention, urinary tract health, vision health, and more.
- They pack a powerful punch of protection including phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, the deep blue pigments highly concentrated in wild blueberries.
Enjoy these wild blueberry recipes:
Blueberries with Roquefort and Celery
Carrot Salad with Wild Blueberries
Cheesecake with Wild Blueberries
Romaine with Spicy Blueberry Salsa
Stuffed Mushrooms with Blueberry Merlot Sauce
Wild Blueberry Cornbread Stuffing
Wild Blueberry Rhubarb Pork Chops
Storage Tips
There's nothing like fresh blueberries, but if you want to preserve the taste of summer, freezing is the method recommended by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America . Simply drop your fresh blueberries on a baking sheet and place in the freezer. This ensures they'll keep their pleasing roundness. Once frozen, store them in pre-measured bags freezer bags (i.e. one cup) for easy use later.
