Celebrate Blueberries!

July is a time for celebrations.  On the Fourth, all Americans celebrate the independence of the United States of American.  It's also Blueberry Month, and this year commemorates the 100th year of cultivating farm to table blueberries.  If you're fortunate to live in the Washington DC area you can participate in the festivities. 

On Tuesday, July 16, free blueberry cupcakes will be distributed at Farragut West..  All month Food Truck Bike Tours will feature blueberry items, and you can sign up here.  The reasons to celebrate, however, have become more than notable when it come to health.

Sure blueberries are low in calories (about 80 per cup), and they're loaded with vitamin C, a good source of manganese (a mineral that helps process nutrients like cholesterol, carbohydrates and protein), and contributes dietary fiber.  They are also loaded with plant nutrients known as polyphenols.  That's gives them antioxidant activity in the body, protecting cells from damage.

The benefits of supporting heart health may be blueberries biggest claim to fame.  However, research shows they also promote brain function, maintain a healthy gut and help with diabetes and insulin resistance.  In other words, these little blue dynamos can provide big health benefits.

Fresh blueberries are plentiful in the market right now - and at great prices.  There's no end to the versatility of blueberries. Add them to salads, desserts; blend them into sweet or savory sauces; or eat them right after they've been rinsed.  And don't be at the mercy of running out of fresh blueberries: buy a bag or two to keep in the freezer, and keep dried blueberries on hand to mix into homemade muffins or granola.  Who knows when the next when the next celebration will pop up?

For more information and recipes click here.

The US Blueberry Council is a partner and provided info and a graphic for this blog; no compensation was received.