My Black is NOT Cracking.

No, I’m not talking about Billie Holiday or Diana Ross.  I’m talking about me!  Well, not actually singing.  Just singing praise for the almighty Blueberry. Trust me.  You do not want me to actually sing!

This past weekend my girlfriend sent me a lovely photo of the blueberries she had picked from her garden over the previous few days.  They were gorgeous.  I immediately saw visions of muffins and pancakes.  And then I snapped out of it.  While I was never a huge fan of eating blueberries as you would any other fruit, I did enjoy them (in my other life) in baked goods!  Obviously, I try to avoid those, but on occasion, I have been known to indulge in a warm blueberry muffin or pancake!  And what’s a hot muffin if not smeared with some grass-fed butter?   (Okay, do as I say, not as I do! The jury will disregard that last statement!)

It was just last summer in my attempt to rid myself of blood pressure meds, that I learned of the benefits of blueberries for your heart!  Since it would be counterproductive to start shoveling muffins into my face, I started thinking about ways to get more blueberries into my diet.  Here’s why.

According to a study published by Harvard Health, consuming a cup of blueberries (sounds easier than it is if you are just popping berries into your mouth!) daily can improve blood vessel function and help lower hypertension. Hypertension, also known as the silent killer, (and I’m a witness since if it wasn’t for a rash, I wouldn’t have known I had it and may not still be here!)  affects 1/3 of adults and that number, I’m sure, is higher among my peeps.  That said, a simple lifestyle change, such as eating more blueberries and other dark-colored food, can not only help to reduce your blood pressure, but also reduce your risk of developing high BP in the first place!

Long known for being full of healthy antioxidants, a  new study has revealed that the phytochemicals in blueberries, (in this case, called anthocyanins) that give blueberries their blue color, can also decrease one’s cardiovascular risk by as much as 20 percent. The study shows that 200 grams of blueberries had the same effect as many hypertension medications.  (No, that doesn’t mean stop taking your meds and start tossing back blueberries! As always consult with your local drug dealer.  I mean Doctor!)  Trying adding blueberries and have him or her ask you what you’ve done to reduce your numbers!

But wait, it gets better!  There’s more to add to the list of benefits of blueberries. Blueberries can also protect us against cancer and diabetes. And you wondered why they refer to blueberries as one of the superfoods!  Now you know!

Those same anthocyanins, one of the most potent antioxidants, have been found to contain a number of anti-cancer properties, as well.   Antioxidants in blueberries were found to help reduce the abnormal cell growth involved in cancer development.

So, yeah! I am singing the blues!  I headed right over and got my pick on! 

Okay, so now that I have a fridge full of blueberries, (As well as a freezer full) what on earth do I do with them all?

So, what is the best way to store, preserve, freeze? (Or buy if you don’t have a friend with a huge blueberry bush!)

If you are shopping for them, start at the farmer’s market!  They are plentiful now and less expensive! Look for plump, smooth berries with a bright uniform color and a whitish sheen.  Choose the deep, dark blue ones! Keep them dry.  Moisture causes them to get moldy a lot faster.

First and foremost, do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Wash and drain before use.

Okay, so since there is no way on earth, I am going to use all of these berries myself, I need to freeze some. 

The best way to freeze blueberries:

Place your berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet.  One that fits in the freezer.  Freeze then for at least an hour.  You can then transfer to a freezer-safe storage container for up to 6 months!  That means I have berries until Christmas!  You do this so you don’t end up with a blueberry ice chunk!  This way, you can grab out a handful for smoothies or thaw for use.

Okay, so I have more blueberries than God.  What am I going to do with them? 

The first night I made an arugula salad.  I added sliced red onion, nuts, (almonds, pistachios) a little feta, some sliced fennel, and blueberries.  I tossed it in some balsamic vinaigrette, and it was yummy!  One cup down, 5lbs to go!

Here are some additional suggestions for incorporating blueberries into your culinary repertoire!  Let’s start with the healthy options and work our way down to the slightly sinful! (Hey, all things in moderation ya’ll!)

What to do when you get the blues!

Smoothies.

Yogurt Pops for a summer treat.

Yogurt for breakfast

Sauces!  My cousin used to make a blueberry barbecue sauce.  I’m sure I can find that recipe!

Fruit Salad

Overnight Oatmeal

Jam or Chutney

Chicken Salad

Blueberry Lemonade (great with mint or basil!)

Vinaigrette (try blueberry and balsamic)

Okay, it’s all downhill from here. (Not that you can’t find healthier, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free options!

Muffins

Ice Cream

Cobblers

Poundcake

Pancakes & Waffles

Baked Brie (topping / sauce for)

If you want to get creative use the following herbs for inspiration in creating your own recipes! Some flavor combinations may surprise you. Try these herbs:

Basil

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Ginger

Mint

Lavender

Lemon Thyme

Try pairing them with:

Vanilla

Balsamic

Lemon & Ricotta

Heat such as Chipotle or Jalapeno

Sometimes, singing the blues is good for you!  Especially, if berries are involved.