The Blueberry
Friday, February 29th, 2008
The blueberry is one of the furthest things from a sugary treat, but most kids love them and eat them like candy. It is in fact one of the elite members of a n exclusive club known as the super fruits.
This category of functional fruits provides a combination of nutrient richness, antioxidant strength, health benefits and manufacturing versatility. Not only is the blueberry good for internal functions, it also provides incredible anti-aging benefits and can even help relieve skin conditions.
Several varieties of this native North American berry exist, and all are heralded for their antioxidant content, including high bush and wild blueberries. Maine is the largest producer in the world, supplying North America with 25% of all its blueberries.
The blueberry’s healthiness is matched only by its delicious , sweet taste, and it is often included in a variety of dishes and toppings, such as jellies, jams, pies, muffins, snack foods and cereals. It is also a favorite of cuisine chefs due to its incredible taste and free-radical fighting notoriety.
Some fast about the blueberry are:
• Blueberries are one of only a few foods consumed by humans that are naturally colored blue.
• The blossom end of each berry forms the shape of a perfect, five-pointed star.
• The elders of Northeast Native American tribes would say the Great Spirit sent “star berries” to relieve children’s hunger during a famine.
• The first colonists learned how to gather and dry blueberries from the Wampanoag Indians.
• A beverage made with blueberries was an important staple for Civil War soldiers.
• July is National Blueberry Month.
• The wild blueberry is the official fruit of Maine.
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Earthly Eating Recipe
Blueberry and Mango Chutney
Serves: 4
1 tbs. olive oil
1 minced shallot
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 pint fresh blueberries
1 dried mango
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 tbs. fresh mint, chopped
1. In a medium sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add shallot and sweat until soft.
3. Add vinegar, sugar and honey. Stir until incorporated.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and add blueberries, mango and cayenne pepper.
5. Reduce until mango is soft and sauce is at the desired thickness.
6. Remove from heat and stir in mint.
7. Serve with pork, chicken or white fish. (Source: Skin 2008)
Happy Eating!
