Interesting Facts about Lowbush Blueberries

 

Today the lowbush blueberry is the most important commercially grown blueberry in the Northeastern United States and Canada.  It is grown for profit in many areas.  The lowbush blueberry is the state fruit of Maine which is fitting since Maine produces 25% of blueberries in all of North America.  This makes Maine the the world's largest producer of blueberries.  Much of the berries are processed for pie fillings, muffin mixes, pastries, jam, ice cream, and yogurt.  They are also used to make wine  and fruit juices but there is nothing better than eating a few fresh ones while picking!  Blueberry picking is a very popular recreational activity throughout the Great Lakes region as well as the throughout Northeastern North America.  Lowbush blueberries are a much sought after fruit by berry pickers.

 

Blueberries have many positive health effects, specifically the lowbush blueberry.  Blueberries have a high antioxidant capacity.  Antioxidants are phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.  Researchers conducted an experiment using lab rats on diets enriched with lowbush blueberries.  Studies showed that rats on the blueberry enriched diet suffered less brain damage due to stroke.  This leads researchers to believe that incorporating blueberries into human diets will have similar effects, thus lessening brain damage as a result of a stroke.

 

Now that we know how beneficial blueberries are to our health, let's learn some tasty recipes using blueberries!

 

Sugar and Spice Blueberry Crisp

Serving Size: 8

Total time: 1 hour

Baking time: 40 min

Oven temperature: 375 degrees Fahrenheit

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar

2 tablespoon(s) cornstarch

3 pint(s) blueberries

1 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice

1 cup(s) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup(s) quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup(s) packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) cold butter, cut up, substitute margarine if desired

3/4 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In large bowl, stir granulated sugar and cornstarch until blended. Add blueberries and lemon juice; stir to coat evenly. Spoon blueberry mixture into shallow 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish; spread evenly. In same bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. With fingers, mix until coarse crumbs form. Crumble over blueberry mixture. Place sheet of foil underneath baking dish; crimp foil edges to form a rim to catch any drips during baking. Bake crisp 35 to 40 minutes or until top is browned and fruit is bubbly at edges. Cool on wire rack 1 hour to serve warm or cool completely to serve later. Reheat if desired.

 

 

 

Now for a yummy, easy to make, blueberry smoothie!

Time: 5 min

Servings: 2 (1 cup each)

 

Ingredients:

1 cup *lowbush blueberries                                                                       

1/2 cup skim milk

2/3 cup vanilla yogurt

Honey, if desired.

 

Directions:

In blender, place blueberries, milk and yogurt. Cover; blend on high speed about 1 minute or until smooth. Sweeten to taste with honey.  Pour into 2 glasses. Serve immediately

*Substituted from originally recipe

 

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