You may have heard the blueberry labeled as a “superfood” because of its health benefits. Although this is just a marketing term, blueberries truly are great for you. They are packed with fiber and vitamin C, and they are an excellent source of manganese (important for bone development). Polyphenols, micronutrients that may have a role in preventing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, set blueberries apart from other fruits. One group of polyphenols in particular, anthocyanins, give blueberry skins their color and laboratory animal experiments have found that they may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimers and dementia; human studies are currently under way.
Let’s not forget the most important attribute of blueberries: their subtle sweet flavor. Blueberries are a perfect snack food because they satisfy sweet cravings and require so little preparation; just wash and eat! Luckily, they are available year round at the grocery store. If you are looking to shop local, keep in mind that North American blueberries are only sold from April through October. Find the most flavorful blueberries during peak season [1] from mid-June to mid-August.
Here are a few fun facts about blueberries to share with friends, whether you are picking them off the bush or snacking on them at home:
If you are looking for new ways to use blueberries, check out our 12 Great Ways to Use [4] … Blueberries below.
Links
[1] https://oldwayspt.org/community/blog/berry-special-season
[2] http://www.wildblueberries.net/bluehistory.html
[3] http://www.pickyourown.org/BlueberryFestivals.php
[4] https://oldwayspt.org/resources/good-food/12-great-ways-use