Blueberries

The Secret Power of Blueberries

If you add one food to your diet this year, make it blueberries! Calorie for calorie, luscious blueberries have recently emerged as nature's number one source of antioxidants among fresh fruits and vegetables.

Research is showing that high levels of antioxidants are responsible, in part, for protecting against the effects of aging caused by free radical cellular damage. Recent USDA studies indicate that blueberries also contain compounds having anti-cancer properties and may protect against heart disease. Eating 1/2 cup of blueberries daily provides a level of antioxidant activity to help protect against the effects of aging, such as heart disease, arthritis, and short term memory loss.

High in fiber and Vitamin C, low in calories and fat, blueberries are fun to eat fresh and delicious in your favorite recipes. Lyman's Pick-Your-Own Blueberries are available from mid-July through late August.

Storing

Keep fresh berries chilled if they are not to be used immediately. Covered with a paper towel or plastic wrap, berries will keep their flavor under refrigeration for about one week. Do not wash berries until you are ready to use them.

Freezing

Frozen berries will retain their flavor for up to two years. For best results, we recommend keeping berries dry before freezing as moisture causes berries to freeze in bunches. Wash berries before you use them, not before freezing them. Do not add sugar before freezing berries. Freeze berries individually by laying them out on a flat tray, freeze, then place frozen berries in container and store in freezer.

Baking with Blueberries

When baking with frozen blueberries, for best results, lightly dust unthawed blueberries with flour before stirring into batter.