July is National Blueberry Month, and I love blueberries! They are the perfect ingredient for a guilt-free indulgence. Now’s the time to take advantage of peak domestic season and celebrate this wonderful little berry.
Blueberries are called a superfood for good reason. They rank as one of the highest of any fruit for cancer-fighting antioxidants. With 80 calories per cup, virtually no fat and low sodium, blueberries offer many nutritional benefits. One cup delivers about a quarter of the vitamin C you should have each day. Blueberries are also high in manganese. Manganese helps the body process cholesterol and nutrients such as carbohydrates and protein. In addition, they’re a great source of dietary fiber, which will also help reduce the risk of heart disease and add bulk to your diet, helping you feel full faster and reducing caloric intake overall. They contain only naturally occurring sugars and provide vitamin K. Even better: they do it all while tasting great!
Most of the blueberries you find in the supermarket are highbush blueberries. They are plump, juicy, and sweet, with vibrant colors ranging from deep purple-blue to blue-black and are highlighted by a silvery sheen called a bloom.
These days, fresh blueberries are available year-round. You can buy North American blueberries from April through October, and South American blueberries from November through March. The peak season for fresh blueberries in North America runs from mid-June to mid-August, with the earliest harvest in the southern states and west coast and the latest harvest in the northern states and Canada.
While they shine in all your go-to summer salads, there’s truly no limit to what you can do with blueberries – their versatile sweet-tart flavor thrives in sweet and savory dishes alike. We have several delicious recipes here on our site featuring this superstar fruit combined with our gourmet sauces and spreads, creating amazing flavors and textures. Check them out! https://bit.ly/2XHRgAA
Happy National Blueberry Month from all of us at Bellisari’s!
