Blueberries are a true botanical berry, with each fruit developing from a single flower. Regardless of the textbook definition, blueberries are one of my favorite berries! I always prefer to pick my own. But by the time I’m done, I look like the girl from Willy Wonka. It’s usually because I place one blueberry in my bag and two blueberries in my mouth.
Different varieties of blueberries ripen and different times of the season. At a farmers market, you’ll usually be able to find these lovely fruits throughout the summer. And they’ll taste different! Look for local berries as the grocery store produce can often be dry and bland.
Blueberries may be one of the easiest items to freeze. Simply spread them out on a baking tray, freeze, and then scoop into a freezer safe container. There they will sit for months to come, waiting for you to enjoy in the cold winter months.
Summer
Blueberries are excellent fresh. I also love adding them to warm oatmeal for breakfast. These fruits can also be made into jams, pies and baked goods.
If you can find a U-Pick operation, I highly recommend picking your own! At the market, look for berries that are plump, not shriveled, with a deep even color. I like to select my own, but in peak season, a pre filled basket or clamshell is great!
Keep unwashed berries in a shallow container in the refrigerator. I keep them on a shelf rather than in the crisper drawer so they get plenty of air circulation. Blueberries will last up to a week when stored properly (if we don’t eat them all first!).
Blueberries come in so many varieties, flavors and sizes! Chandlers are some of the largest berries while Oneal and Southmoon varieties have great flavor.
