National Blueberry Month: 4 Delicious Ways to Use Blueberries
It’s hard to find a better summer treat than a bowl of fresh blueberries. Sweet but slightly tangy and bursting with juicy flavor, they’re versatile enough to flavor any dish (but also perfect when picked right off the vine). Blueberries are also one of the healthiest summer treats – they’re packed with powerful antioxidants, rich in dietary nutrients, and come in at under 100 calories per cup.
Whether you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your favorite fruit or don’t know how to use their incredible flavor, here are some fun and delicious ideas to boost your blueberry love.
How To Choose the Best Blueberries
Whether you’re buying them at the store or picking them from a bush, choosing the best blueberries will help you capture the best summer flavor. Chef David Pan recommends these tips to be sure you bring home the perfect batch of blueberries:
- Look for blueberries that are a deep, dark blue. Blueberries that are red or green will be tart.
- The best blueberries may even have a white or grayish coating. This is called “bloom” and indicates peak freshness.
- Blueberry skin should be firm and smooth.
- If picking from a tree, the best blueberries should fall easily into your hand. Blueberries that need to be tugged aren’t fully ripe and should be left alone.
Our Top 4 Ways to Use Blueberries
Blueberry-Infused Vodka
Fruit-infused vodka is a fun way to spice up your summer cocktails. And berries, particularly blueberries, absorb and flavor your favorite vodka better than other types of fruit. Plus, creating blueberry-infused vodka at home is easy and can even double as pretty countertop decor while you wait! All you need is a cup of fresh blueberries, a bottle of your favorite vodka from The Liquor Cabinet, and a pretty glass container.
To make yours, simply toss your freshly washed blueberries into your glass container and fill it with your chosen vodka. Seal your jar tightly and place it in a cool spot away from direct sunlight for five to seven days (or longer if you prefer). Once your vodka has infused, strain the berries, or store it as-is depending on your preference. You now have a tasty blueberry-flavored spirit to add to your favorite summer cocktails!
Blueberry BBQ Sauce
Sweet and slightly acidic, blueberries are a perfect way to boost your summer barbecue sauce. It’s easy to make and tastes great slathered on pork, chicken, ribs, steak, and more. The next time you fire up the grill or smoker, take a second to make this simple blueberry BBQ sauce to add some sweet sizzle to your summer spread.
With just three ingredients and a blender, you can make a creamy summertime treat that’s refreshing and healthy. When you’re craving ice cream, give it the bright taste of blueberries with just three steps:
- Add a cup of frozen blueberries and 2 frozen bananas (peeled and chopped) into a blender or food processor.
- Scrape the seeds from 2 vanilla beans (split lengthwise) into your blender and blend until creamy.
- Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Summer Toppers
Why mess with perfection? In their purest form, blueberries are a simple and delicious way to top your favorite summer treats. Simply wash and pat-dry a handful of fresh blueberries, then toss them on just about anything for a burst of juicy sweetness. Some of our favorite things to top include:
- Ice Cream
- Yogurt
- Parfaits
- Oatmeal
- Cheesecake
Ready to add a burst of blueberries to your summer spread? Visit a local U-pick farm or farmer’s market, and then stop by The Pantry at The Wharf and The Liquor Cabinet for more summer shopping.
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