What Are Blueberries?
Blueberries are a type of fruit closely related to cranberries, huckleberries. They are a relatively small and round fruit, about a ½ inch in diameter, and can range in color from a deep blue to purple color. Blueberries grow on a bush and come in many different varieties.
What do blueberries taste like?
Blueberries have a tasty, sweet flavor, and can sometimes be somewhat tart, depending on their ripeness. Fresh blueberries have a firm texture on the outside, with a juicy center when bitten into.
What are ways to eat blueberries?
You can eat blueberries raw, cooked, and dried. They can be eaten alone or paired with other fruits or can be eaten with other things like yogurt, oatmeal, or used for desserts like cakes, pies, or blueberry muffins. Blueberries are also cooked with sugar or other ingredients to make things like jams, jellies, compotes, and sauces. Fresh blueberries can also be juiced and used for beverages. Dried blueberries are commonly used in trail mix for snacking, and can also be used to add chewy texture and sweetness to salads.
Where can you buy blueberries?
Blueberries can be purchased year-round, but they are in their peak season during the summer months. You can find them at most grocery stores near the other fruit and berries.
Fun Facts about blueberries?
Blueberries are incredibly nutritious! These healthy little fruits are loaded with antioxidants and minerals such as fiber, vitamins C and K, and Manganese.
Did You Know?
Blueberries are one of the only commercially available fruits that are native to North America! Native Americans called them starfruits because of the star shape at the bottom end of each fruit, where the blossom once was.
Kids Are Great Cooks Recipes Using Blueberries
Blueberry Lemonade
In our blueberry lemonade video lesson, chef Toby makes a blueberry puree to add into lemonade to make a yummy twist on this classic drink!
Recipes Using Blueberries
Blueberry Muffins
These muffins are great for a grab-and-go breakfast, and are super easy to make! First, combine whole wheat flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, and maple syrup to sweeten. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and fold in fresh blueberries into the batter. Then, spoon the batter into a lined muffin pan and bake in the oven until the muffins rise and are golden brown on top.
Blueberry Jam
Making jam at home is easy and only requires a few ingredients! In a small saucepan, add blueberries and sugar and cook over medium heat until bubbling. Add in lemon juice and cook on low heat until the jam has thickened. Cool completely before serving.
Trail Mix
Making your own trail mix is a great way to make this snack exactly how you want it! First, add in a mix of your favorite whole or chopped nuts – we really love almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Then add in your favorite dried fruits, like blueberries and cranberries. Finish it off by adding a small amount of your favorite chocolate morsels, like caramel, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips. Stir the mixture together and store it in a zip-top bag in the pantry for easy snacking!
