There are few things more satisfying in life than grabbing a pint of blueberries at the farmers’ market on a sunny day and admiring all the beauty around. It’s such a fantastic, simple snack. Their juicy flesh and deeply sweet – and occasionally tangy – taste make for prime eating. Children, more than anyone else, seem to be able to truly enjoy this all natural treat, going absolutely gaga for them when they come into season in the early summer months.
Thankfully, blueberries are completely filled with all sorts of nutritional goodies that can greatly benefit overall health. So, when they come into season, let the kids have nature’s cake and eat it too – they’ll be doing their bodies a favor!
Blueberries History and Culture
Blueberries are one of the few fruits native to North America. They were an important part of the Native American diet, consuming them fresh, as well as preserving them for later use. They also used it for medicinal purposes, such as treating coughs and improve blood health, and also used it to dye cloth. White settlers, on the other hand, were not so keen on the blueberry, due to its generally tart flavor when found in the wild. It was not until the early 1900’s that the US began to cultivate them, spurred by research from the USDA, with the first commercial blueberry operation going into business in 1916. In 2010, the United States produced 364 million pounds of blueberries, most of which is consumed domestically.
There are two main types of blueberry plants – low bush and high bush. Low bush varieties grow to around two feet high, and produce small, sweet, dark berries. These are mostly found in forests in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. The more popular high bush blueberry plant grows to over 10 feet in height, and is largely domesticated. They are far heavier producers than their lowbush counterparts, and are thus the preferred variety by blueberry growers.
Blueberry Health Benefits 
Blueberries are rich with antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals in the body. The antioxidants in blueberries, more specifically, help promote and repair vascular health. They can help prevent varicose veins, cataracts, heart disease, and cancer, among other diseases. Veins, in particular, are strengthened by the antioxidants found in blueberries. Pectin is also present in the skin of blueberries, which is proven to lower cholesterol, and thereby increasing heart health.
Although carrots are usually touted as being the torch bearer of eye health, blueberries, in their own right, have been proven to promote health in this area, as well. Blueberries increase the ability to be able to see at night, as well as minimize the risk of macular degeneration.
Blueberries can also increase your gastrointestinal health, as well as minimize the risk of colon cancer. The high dietary fiber content found in blueberries also helps regulate the digestive system, either relieving diarrhea or constipation. They can also assist in eliminating urinary tract infections.
And, to top it all off, blueberries can potentially make you smarter! In the journal Neurobiology and Aging, an article was published that suggests age-related learning problems may be partially reversed by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in blueberries.
Eating More Blueberries
Blueberries are most delicious and abundant during the summer months, between May and October. They make a great snack during this time, so buy a pint every now and then and indulge in their sweetness. Leave it out on the kitchen table, and watch it fly in a day. They are an easy addition to your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt, and make for a fantastic after meal dessert.
Blueberries can be bought fresh, dried, or frozen. When selecting fresh berries, pick ones that are firm and deeply blue. Pale blue berries will be tart, as they have not fully ripened. They should not have moist skins, but rather dry, as moisture can affect their shelf life. More than anything, just try one and see how it tastes.
To store blueberries, sort through the berries and remove any moldy or split ones. Also, do not wash them prior to storage, as this removes the protective outer shell that helps them stay fresh longer. Store in a covered container and put in the refrigerator, where they will keep for a week or so. Berries can also be frozen and will keep up to a year.
Sign up and receive a 7-day series on how to become a vegetarian.
