blueberries

What is the growing season for local blueberries?

Blueberries are harvested 2 - 4 times usually every 10 - 14 days between July and September.  99% of BC blueberries are grown in the Fraser Valley in Richmond, Pitt Meadow, Matsqui Prairie and Surrey.  BC produces about 95% of the Canadian production of cultivated blueberries.  This is about 9 million kilograms per year.  About 70% of these are processed; the others are bought fresh for export and local consumption through stores and farmgate outlets.  In BC, about 2045 ha are farmed by over 450 families.  (source)

What's with the chalk-like bloom on blueberries?

The chalk like bloom on the skins helps keep them fresh.  Don't wash fresh blueberries until you're ready to use them.  (source)

Blueberries are rich in what nutrients?  What are some of the health benefits of blueberries?

I think everyone can automatically attest that they've heard blueberries are rich in antioxidants.  In fact, they are the highest in antioxidants out of all fruits, vegetables, spices or seasonings.  Antioxidants are essential to optimizing health by helping to combat the free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA.  They are a great thing to eat before hopping on an airplane!  These antioxidants also contribute to a healthier nervous system, brain function and memory.  Blueberries are great for people that require watching the glycemic index of foods.  Blueberries are low on that scale.    But that's not all.  Blueberries also contain Vitamin K, Manganese, Vitamin C and fiber.  (source)

What's the best way to store blueberries?

A great little diagram is shown at this link for optimal blueberry storage.  Basically 1-2 weeks in the fridge and 10-12 months in the freezer.  An important thing to note is that it has been proven blueberries do not lose their antioxidant properties from freezing, so blueberries are definitely an item to stock up on and keep through winter. 

Favourite blueberry recipe:

My absolute personal favourite way to eat blueberries is just as is.  They are like candy.  Nature's candy!  In fact most of the time they barely make it to anything besides straight into my belly.  Of course, blueberries are great in smoothies and the Juice Caboose offers a popular smoothie called the Bluebonnet which contains:  blueberries, banana, spirulina, vanilla bean and hemp seeds.  Of course, some other great recipes include:

blueberry salsa - on its own or for use on grilled chicken

blueberry jam - this blueberry/lavender jam by Nikiah at Red Moon Musings is one that I would love               to try!

popsicles - perfect for summer

blueberry muffins - probably my favourite kind of muffin next to the the Power Muffins at Whole Foods.  I love a good gluten free recipe and Gluten Free Girl has a good one for blueberry muffins

raw vegan cheesecake - blueberries are great for making things stick together.  they are sort of gelatinous once blended and left to sit.  this make a great ingredient when making things raw that one would like to set in a certain shape or height.  Heathy from Sweetly Raw is the raw vegan dessert queen.

What's your favourite blueberry recipe?

Juicy Suzy