Facts About Blueberries

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, and blueberries are chock full of important vitamins and antioxidants. Blueberries have been around for thousands of years and are readily available year round.

History

Blueberries were an important food to the Native Americans and eventually caught on with the colonists around the mid-nineteenth century.

Selection and Storage

Blueberries should be firm with a uniform blue color. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to a week or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a year.

Preparation

Widely used in cooking and baking, blueberries are a versatile food. They are delicious in pancakes, pies and sauces, or use them fresh out of the basket as a topping for yogurt or cereal.

Health Benefits

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and give a healthy boost to the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

Beauty Benefits

High in vitamins A, C and E, blueberries are widely used in a variety of organic skin creams and lotions.