Our government, usually so conservative in declaring adequate RDAs in our foods, has posted a paper which ranks blueberries at the top of a list of 40 fruits and veggies for antioxidant activity, including spinach, grapes, oranges, apples and bananas. Who would have thought that such a sweet little fruit could be so healthful? This is surely news to inspire everyone to start whipping up some blueberry recipes!
As you may know, antioxidants are 'free radical scavengers' which march all over your body, neutralizing and eradicating the scourge of harmful toxins which can lead to cancer.
This information alone is enough reason for all of us to start hitting the recipe sites for blueberry recipes. However, there are even more health benefits to be derived from blueberries. Eating this little fruit can also ward off several conditions associated with aging, such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, a compromised immune system response, cataracts and macular degeneration. Other clinical studies have demonstrated that eating blueberries appears to improve your balance, coordination and memory!
The word is spreading rapidly, so much so, that those in the blueberry business are seeing an astonishing shift in their markets. In the past, most of their product was sold to commercial food preparers, sold as bakery goods, flavored yogurt and other such prepared products. Now, blueberry growers are seeing a big jump in sales to consumers, sold fresh, frozen and dried.
If you're not yet a blueberry fan, you might wonder just what you can do with them. I've always liked blueberries, but thought they were a little pricey for my budget. Since learning all of this about the plump little blueberry, I've changed my mind. When you start searching out recipes, you'll be amazed at the breadth of delicious blueberry recipes. Let's see: there are blueberry muffins, pies, crisps, fritters or cobblers, cheesecakes, coffee cakes, pancakes, blueberry syrup, regular cakes, Biscotti, cookies and jams, for starters. Kids find blueberries appealing, too, because of their sweet taste.
There are thousand upon thousands of blueberry recipes on the net. Here we give you just a few, really easy, quick and nutritious blueberry recipes to get you into the blueberry mode.
The first couldn't be simpler and makes a great side for breakfast, or a tasty dessert for lunch or dinner. If using fresh blueberries, rinse well with water and drain. Use a half cup per serving. Put in a fruit cup and top with non-dairy whipped topping or the real thing, if you like.
Now for a couple of blueberry recipes for smoothies, a most healthy breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up on a hot summer's day:
For a blueberry ice cream and yogurt delight, combine a cup of blueberries, fresh or frozen, with one cup of vanilla ice cream and a 6 ounce container of pina colada flavored yogurt. Whip in the blender, pour into a tall glass, add a dollop of whipping cream and sprinkle the top with several blueberries. Add a straw and enjoy.
Our next smoothie: Blend a half cup of blueberries, a cup of peaches, one banana and a cup of strawberry flavored yogurt. Serve with a straw. Mmmm.
This next blueberry recipe is a cinch, both for ease of preparation and popularity with diners. Combine two cups of blueberries with a half cup each of sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the berries soften. Bring to a boil and stir, cooking until you have the consistency you prefer. Turn off the heat. Use a potato masher to crush the blueberries. Serve with plain or blueberry pancakes. Again, whipped cream, real or non-dairy is a nice companion for any blueberry.
These yummy recipes should be all it takes to get you looking for other blueberry recipes!
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