Blueberries - this Superfood is super good!
Chez Panisse's Blueberry Cobbler is the bomb!
- complements of the NY Times
What makes blueberries a superfood? We've been hearing the buzz word, superfood for a long time now. Some superfoods are salmon, spinach, soy(beans), oats, walnuts, tea, and blueberries! Thankfully, I like all of these things.
According to Web MD, superfoods can be thought of as medicinal since they can improve ailments such as hypertension, cholesterol levels, heart disease, cancer and help you live longer. They are super healthy and nutritious.
"Every superfood is going to be a 'real' (unprocessed) food," Somer points out. "You don't find fortified potato chips in the superfood category." - Web MD
Blueberries in particular are packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C. They can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer and are anti-inflammatory.
Healthline goes on to list 10 benefits of blueberries.
1. Low in calories and high in nutrients
2. King of antioxidant foods
3. Blueberries reduce DNA damage which protects against aging and cancer
4. Blueberries protect cholesterol in your blood system from becoming damaged
5. May lower blood pressure
6. May help prevent heart disease
7. Blueberries Can Help Maintain Brain Function and Improve Memory
8. Anthocyanins in Blueberries May Have Anti-Diabetes Effects
9. May Help Fight Urinary Tract Infections
10. Blueberries May Reduce Muscle Damage After Strenuous Exercise
Goodness, after reading this, I think I should eat blueberries daily.
So, when asked to make a dessert for a recent cookout, I chose something with blueberries. Not really because they're a superfood, but because they're so delicious. Unlike Maine blueberries, NC blueberries come in all sizes. There are so many different recipes for blueberries.
15 ways to eat your blueberries
1. sprinkle on salads (so many salad recipes to choose from, mine is a superfood salad)
2. add to a smoothie
3. make a syrup or jelly
4. make a dessert like pie, cobbler, cheesecake, crisp, tart, etc.
5. create a cocktail or alcoholic drink with infused blueberries
6. make fruit pops
7. make your own BBQ sauce (yes, you heard it here) or salsa
8. add to yogurt or oatmeal (great way to add a flavor boost to boring foods)
9. add to pancakes, crepes, blitz, or top french toast
10. Add to trail mix, granola, or breakfast bar
11. blueberry ice cream - Yum!!
12. blueberry muffins, breads or scones
13. make blueberry butter
14. Blueberry juice - very healthy
15. As a fruit - Enjoy an handful of fresh blueberries on thier own!
This is a photo of a Blueberry Crunch written in my dear departed Mother In Law's handwriting.
How I used my blueberries:
Once again, I went to Google to find a delicious blueberry dessert. In true Southern style, I chose this yummy blueberry cobbler, Chez Panisse's Blueberry Cobbler featured by the NY Times with a 5 star rating by over 3000 people.
It was super easy to make. Making dough might be intimidating to some but I promise, it is easy. It is actually similar to my scone recipe and tasted like a light and fluffy scone too. It only has a little added sugar compared to most desserts. I'm very visual and I almost passed on this dessert because it looked like biscuits on top. I'm glad I looked at the reviews. It is delicious. We added a little ice cream with it. This is another recipe anyone can make if you follow directions.
My friend and neighbor brought her favorite Rhubarb Pie since rhubarb is in season. It is one of my husband's favorites too. It isn't everyone's favorite though. I'm not a rhubarb lover which is why I made a blueberry dessert. I did try a bite and it pretty good. My husband thought is was great so you'll have to take his word for it since he's more the rhubarb connoisseur. Her pie crust is homemade and it was flaky and perfect. She honestly makes the best pie crust ever! She also got her recipe from a NY Times recipe.
By the way, rhubarb is also rich in antioxidants! Remember to eat the rainbow!
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