July is National Blueberry Month!

When you think of what is special about the month of July, the first thing that comes to mind if probably Independence Day. After all, July 4^th is an important holiday for our country. People celebrate that day with parades, picnics, fireworks, and more, so of course that holiday is foremost in our minds when we think about July.

But did you know that there is a month-long, nationally-recognized celebration for the month of July? Since 1999, July has been National Blueberry Month! The United States Department of Agriculture decided that the blueberry was worthy of having its own month of celebration, and July seemed like the perfect choice because that is when they are at the height of their harvest.

So, why do blueberries deserve their own special month? What is so special about them? Well, to begin with, these berries are grown throughout a good percentage of the United States. Over 90% of all of the blueberries in the world are produced in our country, in thirty-five states.

And the nutritional value of blueberries cannot be beat by any other fruit or vegetable. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which have been scientifically proven to help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. They are also excellent sources of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, folic acid, and fiber. Plus, they are low in calories-one cup of berries is only about 80 calories. And were you aware that blueberries are virtually fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free?

Fresh blueberries can usually be found at grocery stores and farmer's markets from about mid-April through October. If you want to indulge in these tasty berries all year long, freeze some of the fresh berries that you purchase-it is very simple. Just spread the berries out on a baking sheet (do not wash them first-washing them will remove their protective waxy layer and they will not taste as fresh) and let them freeze. Once they have hardened, place the berries into airtight storage containers or bags. If you plan to use the berries in your baking, be sure not to thaw them first-if you do so, they will "bleed" into the batter and turn it an odd grayish-blue color.

You can also make your own blueberry pie filling with fresh berries. If you have a recipe that calls for a can of blueberries, try making your own:

2 ½ c fresh blueberries

1 T cornstarch

1 ½ t lemon juice

1/8 c water

Combine all of the above ingredients in a saucepan and cook until thickened. Cool before using.

Fresh or frozen, blueberries can be used in hundreds of ways. Add them to muffins and pancakes to make breakfast a little more special. Toss them in the blender with some milk and ice to make a smoothie. Throw a few on top of your morning oatmeal. The options are endless! And recipes including these berries number in the thousands-try doing a Google search for "blueberry recipes" and you might just be surprised at how many different choices you will find. Take the time to select a few to test out this July-join in on the Blueberry Month celebration and get your family wanting to eat these healthy berries all year long!

Sources:

http://www.blueberry.org/USDA%20Proclamation.htm

http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_348.shtml

http://www.blueberry.org/faq.htm