1. BUYING, STORING, AND
USING BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are one of nature’s most amazing foods. Not only are they sweet, but
they are a terrific source of vitamin C (especially if eaten raw), manganese, and
fiber, while having only about 81 calories per cup. Blueberries are also low on the
glycemic index,
making them an
excellent choice
for diabetics and
those with blood
sugar issues.
In addition,
blueberries are at
the top of the list
of foods with
superb levels of
antioxidants. They
are linked to
decreased levels of glaucoma and cataracts, varicose veins, peptic ulcers, heart
disease, and cancer – and have also been found to reduce the risk of dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease. Eating blueberries regularly, scientific studies conclude, may
even help you learn more readily.
Buying
While blueberries are available fresh in grocery stores most of the year, between
May and October they are at their peak. One sure fire way to know you aren’t
buying sour berries (more common late or early in the season) is to ask to taste
one. Many grocery stores allow this.
Also make sure whatever berries you purchase aren’t red or purple. Ripe
blueberries should be deep blue or bluish black. Ripe
blueberries should also have a waxy appearance, and be of

2. fairly uniform size. If there are blueberry juice stains in the container, the
blueberries are already going bad.
Storing and Preparing
Store blueberries in the container they came in (or in your own airtight container)
in the refrigerator. Do not wash them until you’re ready to eat them. Stored this
way, they should last a couple of weeks.
To wash, place the berries in a colander and run warm water over them. Sort
through the berries, tossing any that are crushed or shriveled, and removing any
stems that might still be attached. Allow the berries to drain.
Spread the berries in a single layer over a baking sheet and pat dry with a paper
towel.
Freezing
Blueberries are one of the easiest
berries to store, so if you see a good
sale, stock up. Arrange them in a
single layer on a baking sheet and
place the baking sheet in the
freezer. Once the berries are hard
(after about a half hour), transfer
them to an air tight container. They
will last up to a year.
Using
Blueberries make a great snack,
eaten as is. Or add them to salads,
pancakes, crepes, waffles, muffins,
quick breads, cakes, pies, ice cream,
cobblers, or yogurt for a sweet treat. Blueberries also make excellent jams and
jellies.