News
ENLARGE
That unique dark indigo blue color, the spicy aroma, that sweet-tart taste, nothing says tangy summer quite like blueberries. Not only are these berries rich in vitamin A, C, and E, but they are also bursting with healthy antioxidants. Blueberries contain both betacarotene as well as many minerals , such as potassium, manganese and magnesium.
Their high fiber content and low saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium levels make blueberries one of the most health-protecting antioxidants available during this season. May through October is blueberry season, this is when you will find fresh blueberries at most of your grocery stores. During other months, blueberries are imported.
Antioxidants are valuable elements that prevent cancer-causing cell damage. They do this by binding the free electrons, aiding the halt of free radical production. Free radicals are groups of atoms that affect cells and impair the body's immune system. Antioxidants are also believed to limit the changes brought on by old age related diseases.
Blueberries have the highest level of anthocyanins than any other fruit or vegetable, an antioxidant that is known to reduce human heart disease and cancer. These are what create that signature blend between that dark blue and red color that makes blueberry violet. This is also the culprit for those brutally stained blue lips on your children's faces and that irremovable stain since anthocyanins are what makes these berries bleed. This substance is also believed to fight E. Coli.
Anthocyanins are essential in improving the integrity of support structures in the veins and the rest of the vascular system. They are also shown to enhance the effects of Vitamin C, stabilize the collagen matrix and improve capillary integrity, the collagen matrix being the ground substance of all body tissue. Other antioxidants and acids present in the berries include: ellagic and chlorogenic acid, pterostilbene, catechins and resveratol.
Health benefits of blueberries seem to be endless with this great lineup of antioxidants. They are thought to augment learning capability and memory power as well as protect the brain from oxidative stress, in one example reducing Alzheimer's and dementia. They are also believed to preserve vision and prevent UTI related problems. They are considered cardioprotective and promote gastrointestinal health at the same time since the tanins acts as astringents in the digestive system reducing inflammation.
The secret key to what gives blueberries that seal of freshness is their waxy outer shell. This is called it's “bloom” and it usually has a silver-gray color to it that almost gives it a certain sheen. It is a natural part of the blueberry that protects the skin. The most important blueberry tip: Keep the bloom.
When shopping for blueberries look for firmness, a vibrant blueberry should have a little bounce to it. So go ahead and give the box a little shake and as long as there is room for the berries to move around, you should be confident with your selection. The reason for this little test is to ensure that none of the berries have gotten mushy and moldy. Avoid blueberries that are dull in color or soft and watery in texture, making sure to keep them free from moisture to avoid mold.
Since nutrients are best sustained by keeping them cool, make sure to select them from the refrigerated section of your local market. Don't forget to refrigerate your blueberries as soon as you get home for optimum freshness. Also, remember never to wash your blueberries until right before you need them to ensure you're preserving that bounce until the last minute until you bite into them. Better yet, if you know where your blueberries are coming from and can avoid it, don't wash them at all. The point is to preserve that “bloom” for as long as possible, preferably until plopped into your mouth.
When freezing fresh blueberries, don't wash them. Instead, spread them out evenly across a cookie sheet and stick them into the freezer. Now, once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a plastic freezer bag. The defrosting process is a little bit different with these as well. Thaw the berries slowly in the refrigerator and make sure to drain especially well when using in baking. If you are cooking with them, you can skip the thawing process. Blueberry jam and dessert sauces for blueberry cheesecake are great ways to cook with these berries.
Dried blueberries retain many nutrients as well and are a great addition to quick meals. You can add them to fruit salads, oatmeal, cereal and granola. So for those cold winter nights when all the previously flowering blueberry bushes are lying dormant, you can still get that reminder of sweet summer.
Remember that your blueberries are fragile so
it's best to wash them carefully and briefly, while gently patting them dry. Fresh blueberries are great thrown into breakfast shakes and pancakes for a crowd pleaser. Blueberry pie is another all-time favorite but cobblers, muffins, coffee cake and bread will surely be close runner ups for those who choose to take on the very blue berry challenge.
Their high fiber content and low saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium levels make blueberries one of the most health-protecting antioxidants available during this season. May through October is blueberry season, this is when you will find fresh blueberries at most of your grocery stores. During other months, blueberries are imported.
Antioxidants are valuable elements that prevent cancer-causing cell damage. They do this by binding the free electrons, aiding the halt of free radical production. Free radicals are groups of atoms that affect cells and impair the body's immune system. Antioxidants are also believed to limit the changes brought on by old age related diseases.
Blueberries have the highest level of anthocyanins than any other fruit or vegetable, an antioxidant that is known to reduce human heart disease and cancer. These are what create that signature blend between that dark blue and red color that makes blueberry violet. This is also the culprit for those brutally stained blue lips on your children's faces and that irremovable stain since anthocyanins are what makes these berries bleed. This substance is also believed to fight E. Coli.
Anthocyanins are essential in improving the integrity of support structures in the veins and the rest of the vascular system. They are also shown to enhance the effects of Vitamin C, stabilize the collagen matrix and improve capillary integrity, the collagen matrix being the ground substance of all body tissue. Other antioxidants and acids present in the berries include: ellagic and chlorogenic acid, pterostilbene, catechins and resveratol.
Health benefits of blueberries seem to be endless with this great lineup of antioxidants. They are thought to augment learning capability and memory power as well as protect the brain from oxidative stress, in one example reducing Alzheimer's and dementia. They are also believed to preserve vision and prevent UTI related problems. They are considered cardioprotective and promote gastrointestinal health at the same time since the tanins acts as astringents in the digestive system reducing inflammation.
The secret key to what gives blueberries that seal of freshness is their waxy outer shell. This is called it's “bloom” and it usually has a silver-gray color to it that almost gives it a certain sheen. It is a natural part of the blueberry that protects the skin. The most important blueberry tip: Keep the bloom.
When shopping for blueberries look for firmness, a vibrant blueberry should have a little bounce to it. So go ahead and give the box a little shake and as long as there is room for the berries to move around, you should be confident with your selection. The reason for this little test is to ensure that none of the berries have gotten mushy and moldy. Avoid blueberries that are dull in color or soft and watery in texture, making sure to keep them free from moisture to avoid mold.
Since nutrients are best sustained by keeping them cool, make sure to select them from the refrigerated section of your local market. Don't forget to refrigerate your blueberries as soon as you get home for optimum freshness. Also, remember never to wash your blueberries until right before you need them to ensure you're preserving that bounce until the last minute until you bite into them. Better yet, if you know where your blueberries are coming from and can avoid it, don't wash them at all. The point is to preserve that “bloom” for as long as possible, preferably until plopped into your mouth.
When freezing fresh blueberries, don't wash them. Instead, spread them out evenly across a cookie sheet and stick them into the freezer. Now, once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a plastic freezer bag. The defrosting process is a little bit different with these as well. Thaw the berries slowly in the refrigerator and make sure to drain especially well when using in baking. If you are cooking with them, you can skip the thawing process. Blueberry jam and dessert sauces for blueberry cheesecake are great ways to cook with these berries.
Dried blueberries retain many nutrients as well and are a great addition to quick meals. You can add them to fruit salads, oatmeal, cereal and granola. So for those cold winter nights when all the previously flowering blueberry bushes are lying dormant, you can still get that reminder of sweet summer.
Remember that your blueberries are fragile so
it's best to wash them carefully and briefly, while gently patting them dry. Fresh blueberries are great thrown into breakfast shakes and pancakes for a crowd pleaser. Blueberry pie is another all-time favorite but cobblers, muffins, coffee cake and bread will surely be close runner ups for those who choose to take on the very blue berry challenge.
