July Is National Blueberry Month

July Is National Blueberry Month

July is National Blueberry Month and what a better way to celebrate than enjoying blueberries as well as throughout the year. 

Blueberries are a nutrient packed fruit. They rank among the highest foods for antioxidant content per serving. Antioxidants help fight cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Studies have shown blueberries improve learning capacity and help heal damaged brain cells. Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber and they are low in calories – 80 calories per cup.

At the freezing produce class I taught on July 12, I demonstrated freezing blueberries. They are so easy to freeze for later use. Wash blueberries and let drain. I then put them on paper towels and make sure they are completely dry. Blueberries are then placed on a cookie sheet in a single layer and placed in the freezer for one to two hours. They can then be packaged in freezer bags or freezer containers.