Juicy sweet BLUEBERRIES!!!!

Blueberries

Juicy and sweet, these round, smooth-skinned berries add the perfect touch of summer to salads, drinks and desserts. For a special treat, check out your farmer's market for locally grown blueberries, freshly picked and still warm from the sun. Blueberries are a good source of fiber and an excellent source of vitamin C.

Availability

• In season from late spring to late summer, fresh blueberries are at their peak in July and August.

Purchasing

• Select firm, plump berries with an indigo blue color and a silvery white frost. Avoid any with a green or red, purple or pink tint which indicates under ripe berries.
• If packaged in a carton, check to make sure there are no juice stains at the bottom of the carton or moldy or crushed berries buried inside.

Storage

• Refrigerate fresh blueberries for up to 1 week. If packaged in a cardboard container, transfer the berries to an airtight container covered with dry paper towel. Check the berries periodically, discarding any that are moldy or crushed.
• Freeze washed and dried blueberries by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until hard, then transfer to freezer bags. Store frozen blueberries for up to 1 year.

Preparation/Cooking

• For optimum flavor bring to room temperature before serving.
• Remove and discard any damaged berries and stems. Gently rinse berries under cold water just before using. Spread them out on paper towels to dry.
• Do not thaw frozen blueberries before adding them to batters to prevent them from leaving blue streaks of juice.

Tips

• Sprinkle fresh blueberries over bowls of your favourite Post Cereal.
• Stir blueberries into quick bread, muffin or pancake batter.
• Add blueberries to your blender while whipping up summer smoothies and shakes.
• Replace one-quarter of the fresh fruit in your favourite baked pie with blueberries. Peach and blueberry pie is a real summer treat!