From Brain Boosts to Breakfast Bowls: All About Blueberries
Celebrate Blueberry Season with Health, Flavor, and Fun
Blueberries are more than just a sweet, juicy summer treat—they’re a powerful superfood packed with nutrients, flavor, and endless versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re picking them fresh at the farmers market or grabbing a bag from your freezer, blueberries are a seasonal must-have.
Here’s why you should be eating more blueberries—and how to enjoy them in simple, delicious ways all season long.
Why Blueberries Deserve a Spot on Your Plate
1. They’re Nutrient-Packed Powerhouses
These tiny berries are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium. Their vibrant blue color comes from anthocyanins, compounds known to reduce inflammation and help protect against heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and more.
2. They Boost Brain Health
Just a serving or two per week may help maintain memory and even slow cognitive decline. Research suggests blueberries can boost memory, mood, and focus, making them a smart snack for all ages.
3. They Love Your Heart
Blueberries can help lower the risk of heart disease by supporting healthy blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Like many colorful fruits and vegetables, they play an important role in heart health.
4. They Support Digestion
Blueberries contain prebiotics, which nourish the healthy bacteria in your gut and support digestion. A happy gut equals a healthier you!
5. They’re Great for Post-Workout Recovery
Thanks to their manganese, vitamin C, and antioxidant content, blueberries help protect your cells from oxidative stress and support energy production. Snack on them after your next workout.
6. Frozen Might Be Better Than Fresh
Surprise! Frozen blueberries may actually retain more nutrients since they’re picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen. They’re also convenient—pre-washed and ready to toss into smoothies, oatmeal, or baking.
5 Delicious Ways to Use Blueberries This Season
1. Add Them to Everyday Meals
It doesn’t get easier than this. Mix blueberries into:
Yogurt or oatmeal
Smoothies
Pancake or muffin batter
Leafy green salads
Fruit salads
Storage Tip: Keep blueberries unwashed in the fridge until ready to use to extend freshness.
2. Make a Blueberry Sauce
Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or cakes, blueberry sauce can be made simply with blueberries and sweetener (like sucanat). Add a touch of molasses and lime to enhance the flavor.
Try this quick method:
Simmer blueberries with a splash of water and your sweetener of choice until thickened. Store in the fridge and enjoy all week.
3. Freeze or Dehydrate for Later
Freezing:
Lay blueberries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a towel.
Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container.
Great for smoothies, sauces, and baking (frozen blueberries won’t turn your batter purple!).
Dehydrating:
Blanch berries in boiling water for 30 seconds.
Dry in a dehydrator at 130–135°F until leathery.
Store in an airtight container for long-term snacking.
4. Make Blueberry Jam
Capture summer in a jar with a simple freezer jam recipe. It’s quicker than canning and keeps more of the fruit’s natural taste and nutrients.
Want to go sugar-free or naturally sweetened? Try making jam with honey or sucanat and use Pomona’s Pectin for a preservative-free option.
5. Serve Up a Blueberry Dessert
Simple and satisfying dessert ideas include:
Yogurt and granola parfaits
Ice cream topped with blueberry sauce
Classic blueberry cobblers, crisps, and pies
Fruited yogurt or blueberry lemon mocktails
Pro tip: Make blueberry dessert salsa and serve with cinnamon pita chips for a fun and fruity twist.
Celebrate Blueberry Season at the Market
Blueberry Day is happening this Saturday at the Lexington Farmers Market from 8 AM - 12 PM. Stop by to grab fresh pints of blueberries, explore blueberry-themed products from your favorite vendors, and get inspired to make the most of this sweet summer fruit! There will be a live Demo from Sandy Creek Farms, talking about the benefits of blueberries, giving ideas for cooking and more!
Whether you're snacking, baking, or preserving them for later—blueberries are a small but mighty fruit you’ll want to keep close all season long.
