Flavorista

Time for Jersey Blues!

July 9th, 2009

I am not talking about "The Blues."  I am talking about Jersey Blues of the berry variety, although feel free to listen to BB King while you nibble.  I picked up 3 pints of blueberries on Tuesday (on sale this week at Hannaford) and as I type there is not a berry left in the house.

Wild Maine blueberries are the best choice for baking and jams but when it comes to eating fresh blueberries, high bush blueberries have got it going on.  We love them in our cornflakes with bananas, but mostly we love them in a bowl on our kitchen table.  Additionally, Jersey Blues are perfect for fresh fruit tarts and yogurt parfaits.

If you have a wee little one, babies can eat blueberries at 10 months.  Blueberries are not in the same berry class as raspberries and strawberries, so unless otherwise indicated allergy-wise, blueberries are OK for babes.  Just cut them in half or mash them with a fork to prevent choking.

The pigment that makes blueberries blue is called anthocyanin.  In recent years, several studies have shown the positive effect of blueberries on brain health.  So eat up!

Entry Filed under: In Season