How to Celebrate National Blueberry Month

Did you know that July is the National Blueberry Month? Blueberries are a perfect addition to pancakes, oatmeal, smoothies, and yogurt. They surely do deserve a month to celebrate them—what an ideal opportunity to discuss the health benefits of blueberries.

Blueberries are native to North America, and they are grown in 35 out of 50 states. North America supplies blueberries to 95% of the world. Currently, the four-week harvesting between late March and April can supple the whole United States.¹

Why are blueberries considered to be a superfood? Eating just a quarter cup of blueberries daily can make a significant impact on your health. Here are a few facts about blueberries.²

Blueberry Facts

• Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. They have the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits. The powerful antioxidants in blueberries improve the immune system and prevent infections such as urinary tract infections.
• Blueberries can help reduce the risk of cancer. They contain anthocyanin that gives them the dark hue, which is known to attack free radicals that cause cancer in the body.
• Blueberries can help with weight loss. They are low in fat and sodium and are low in calories, with just about 80 calories per cup, making them a healthy, low-calorie snack.
• Blueberries are also rich in Vitamin C that promotes tissue growth and wound healing. They provide about 25% of the daily requirement for vitamin c in one serving
• Rich in manganese that supports bone development and helps the body to process cholesterol and convert carbohydrates to energy.
• Blueberries are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which reduces the risk of heart diseases and obesity since it adds bulk to your diet and keeps you full longer. Three servings of blueberry a week can help to fight heart diseases, memory loss, and indigestion.
• Blueberries are excellent for the brain. They improve brain health and reduce the risk of memory loss.

How to Celebrate The National Blueberry Month

Make blueberry pancakes

Allow your family to wake up to the delicious blueberry pancakes. Pop a few blueberries in the batter to make a yummy and healthy breakfast to satisfy your family’s appetite.

Flavor your water with blueberry

Throw in a couple of blueberries in your water bottle and get infused flavored water.

Make smoothies

Add blueberries to your smoothie and get a boost of antioxidants. You can add frozen blueberries to add the icy texture.

Make a fruits rainbow platter

Arrange cut pieces on different fruits according to their color in a fruit tray. Blueberries add the blue ray in the rainbow.

Make jam

Use blueberries to make home-made jam and add a delicious flavor to your bread.

3 Blueberry Recipes to Make During The National Blueberry Month

Take advantage of the abundance of blueberries to incorporate them into your smoothies, salads, and other family recipes. Try out these simple blueberry recipes to celebrate the National Blueberry Month.

1. Blueberry Ice Cream⁴

Ingredients

• 4 ripe bananas chopped and frozen overnight
• 1 cup of blueberries
• A pinch of salt

Method      

Put the bananas, blueberries, and salt in a food processor. Puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. Cover and freeze. Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving

2. Blueberry and Banana Smoothie⁴

Ingredients

• 1 banana sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1-½ cup of pineapple chunks
• 1 cup milk (coconut or almond)
• Ice cubes

Method

Blend the blueberries, milk, banana, and pineapple until thick and smooth. Serve immediately.

3. Blueberry Ice Pops³

Ingredients

• 1 cup blueberry and chia seed jam
• 1 cup of coconut water
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• ½ cup blueberries
• You will also need ice pop molds

Method

1. Blend the jam, coconut water, salt, and lime juice and till smooth.
2. Add the blueberries. Pulse to break up the blueberries.
3. Pour the mixture into ice-pop molds. Insert sticks and freeze for about 3 hours. Run under hot water for a few seconds to unmold.

4. Blueberry Muffins⁵

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups blueberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk (dairy or nondairy)
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup oil
• 2 eggs

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2. Line standard size 8-10 muffin cups with paper liners
3. Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl
4. Mix together the oil, egg, milk, and vanilla. Whisk to combine.
5. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and combine with a fork.
6. Fold in the blueberries. Pour the batter in the muffin cups. Sprinkle some sugar on top of each muffin
7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Cool in a cooling rack and serve. They can stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or frozen for three months.

Are you ready to experience the goodness of the blueberries? Reduce the time you’d take to go to your local market or store to buy online from us at Mother Earth Products. Be sure to try out these blueberry recipes this National Blueberry Month and share with us the outcome in the comment section below.

References

1. http://blueberriesfromflorida.com/july-national-blueberry-month/
2. https://spiveyinsurancegroup.com/blog/its_national_blueberry_month_5_facts_about_blueberries/
3. https://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1499275812611
4. www.bonapetit.com
5. https://www.inspiredtaste.net/18982/our-favorite-easy-blueberry-muffin-recipe/

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