Blueberries

Blueberries belong to the genus Vaccinium and are related to the bilberry, cranberry, huckleberry, hurtleberry, saskatoon, and whortleberry. These round, smooth-skinned, dark blue, sweet and juicy berries with a dusty white bloom, are native to North America and have been cultivated commercially since the early 1900's.

Wild blueberries grow on shrub like bushes in bunches of 3 to 4 berries. They can be found throughout Canada and the United States, wherever there is acid soil and adequate moisture. Cultivated blueberries are mostly grown along the eastern seaboard, westward to Michigan. They are also cultivated in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. 

Most of the blueberries sold in grocery stores are cultivated.  When choosing blueberries look for firm, plump, fragrant, dark blue berries with a dusty white bloom. The white bloom is the blueberry's natural protection against the sun and is a sign of freshness. Always check the underside of the container for any wet spots or staining.  Discard any soft, moldy, or crushed berries.

Blueberries are excellent eaten out-of-hand or with cream, ice cream, or plain yogurt. Also used in pies, tarts, cakes, muffins, quick breads, pancakes, cobblers, ice creams, and jams and jellies.  Frozen and canned blueberries are available year round.

Some Blueberry Recipes: 

Blueberry Cake

Berry Parfaits

Berry Tarts

Blueberry Sauce

Blueberry Streusel Muffins

Blueberry Trifle

Blueberry Streusel Scones

Blueberry Tart

Blueberry Pie

Lemon Blueberry Bread