The Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries remind me of the hubster... see his side of the family use to have a blueberry farm + I got pretty spoiled. Each summer, there would be gallon ziplock bags of freshly picked blueberries for the taking. DELICIOUS!!!
And whenever we head out to a farmer's market, fresh berries are always a must (along with cut flowers). It just reminds me of a time when we were first dating... back in college... getting free food (like the blueberries) from family members who felt pity for us broke college students.
His family would send me home with blueberries... and my folks would send me home with a case of tuna fish (because my dad would have a SAM's club card)! HAHAHA!
Fish + blueberries... not a good combo, I'm not recommending it here.
{ insert: gross face }
Let's divert from this subject and dive a wee bit deeper into the goodness of blueberries + recipes which don't include fish! You are welcome.
How do you select BLUEBERRIES?
In an article, I read it's more beneficial to snag organic blueberries because the skin on the blueberry is quite thin making it easier for pesticides to penetrate into the fruit. So... we opt for organic blueberries over non-organic.
Snag blueberries which are plump + firm... and skip the shriveled ones.
How do you store BLUEBERRIES? And any tips of prepping?
We keep our blueberries in a sealed glass container which is kept in the fridge. These berries lasts about 7 days.
If we get LOTS of blueberries or want to store some for later months, the berries get rinsed off ... dried... then placed in a gallon ziplock bag (sealed up) and placed in the freezer. These berries last up to 6 months.
NOTE: before you freeze or blend these berries, make sure to wash + dry thoroughly!
What are the benefits of BLUEBERRIES?
The more I learn about blueberries, the more I fall in love with them... because these small berries pack a mean punch! Seriously, here's a few of the amazing benefits:
- Antioxidant properties
- Protects against cognitive decline
- May help lower cholesterol
- May help improve memory, concentration and coordination
- Loaded with Vitamin C
- May help prevent heart disease
- Anti-inflammatory properties
You can check out some more benefits + fun tidbits here, if you'd like!
Blueberries are so delicious and quite handy! We simply wash... dry... and place in a jar for a quick road-trip snack. They are also used to top our Saturday morning pancakes with a wee bit of melted almond butter on top. We sneak them into muffins for a treat and even bake them into a delicious berry tart topped off with macadamia nuts. Oh my-lanta, that's my favorite!!!
Anywho.
One of my clients introduced me to this Basil Smoothie... and with the garden overflowing with this friendly herb, we jumped on the chance to try it out! This superfoodie smoothie is loaded with amazing anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants... to help jumpstart your brain while giving your skin a healthy glow.
{ and who doesn't want that, right?!? }
BASIL BERRY SMOOTHIE
GROCERIES:
- 1/2 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 fresh basil leaves, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of almond/coconut milk, unsweetened
- 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
- 8 ice cubes
- handful of spinach, optional
NOW WHAT?
- Wash the produce thoroughly.
- Blend the milk and water with the greens thoroughly.
- Add the fruit and blend again.
- Finally, add the protein powder and ice then blend for the final time. ENJOY!
NOTE: For another delicious summer treat, you may opt for fresh mango instead of the blueberries... still 1/2 a cup!
