Arturo’s Training

Blueberries are probably my favorite fruit.  Not only do they taste delicious, but they are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve. There’s no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests, (other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary if you grow them.  They are a powerhouse among fruits.  Let’s take a look at some blueberry facts and tips.

• Blueberries protect against macular (eye) degeneration.
• Blueberry consumption lowers cholesterol and total blood lipid levels, possibly affecting symptoms of heart disease.
  
• Blueberries promote gastrointestinal health.
  
• Blueberries protect against colon cancer.
  
• Blueberries protect against ovarian cancer.
• Blueberries are ranked No. 1 in antioxidant activity compared with 40 other commercially available fruits and vegetables. That means a serving of blueberries has more of the antioxidant power you need to fight aging, cancer and heart disease.
• Blueberries can help relieve both diarrhea and constipation. In addition to soluble and insoluble fiber, blueberries also contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation.

Tips

• Don’t wash berries until just before using to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life.  If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

Fun Facts

(thanks to FoodReference.com and HungryMonster.com)

• Blueberries have been commercially cultivated only since the early 20th century, when the USDA helped develop new improved varieties.
• The blueberry is the second most popular berry in the U.S., the strawberry is number one. Over 200 million pounds of blueberries are grown commercially each year.
• Blueberries contain significant quantities of both antibacterial and antiviral compounds, and have a reputation in northern Europe of fighting infections. They may also help protect against heart disease.
• The blueberry muffin is the official muffin of Minnesota.
• The blueberry is the official berry of Nova Scotia.
• The blueberry is the official state fruit of New Jersey, and also raises the most cultivated fresh blueberries in the United States.
• The North American Blueberry industry ships more than 100 metric tons of fresh blueberries each year to Iceland, and more than 500 metric tons to Japan. (2005)
• North America produces nearly 90% of world blueberry production (2005).
• Maine produces about 25% of all the blueberries grown in North America (1998,  wild and cultivated combined) and is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the world. Wild blueberries are grown on 60,000 acres in Maine, and 99% of this wild blueberry crop is frozen. (Although some of these are later canned). Michigan grows more berries but 2/3 of its crop goes for processing.
• Certain American Indians were said to admire the blueberry because the blossom end of the fruit forms a five pointed star. Star berries were thought to be a gift directly from the Great Spirit to hungry children.
• High bush blueberries, the most frequently grown commercial plants, can produce for 40 to 50 years. They rely on generous amounts of water and well-drained soil.

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