The blueberry is one of the few fruits that is native to North America and is harvested in the U.S. between the months of May and October. Based on data from the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (Boston, MA), blueberries are among the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. Look for a flurry of blueberry recipe ideas in July which is National Blueberry Month! Click here for some great Blueberry recipes

Care and Handling

Availability - Green Giant® Fresh Blueberries are available May through November.

Selection - Choose blueberries that are firm and have a lively, uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom. Shake the container, noticing whether the berries have the tendency to move freely; if they do not, this may indicate that they are soft and damaged or moldy. Avoid berries that appear dull in color or are soft and watery in texture. They should be free from moisture since the presence of water will cause the berries to decay. Blueberries that are cultivated in the United States are available from May through October while imported berries may be found at other times of the year.

Storage - Berries are the most perishable of fruits. Ripe blueberries should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator where they will keep for about a week, although they will be freshest if consumed within a few days. Always check berries before storing and remove any damaged berries to prevent the spread of mold. But don't wash berries until right before eating as washing will remove the bloom that protects the berries' skins from degradation. If kept out at room temperature for more than a day, the berries may spoil.  

Preparation - To prepare blueberries, simply rinse under cold running water and drain.

Cooking - Blueberries are quite versatile and can be cooked into jams, sauces, jellies and compotes. Additionally, they make excellent additions to breads, batters, fillings, and toppings.

Freezing - Ripe berries can also be frozen, although this will slightly change their texture and flavor. Before freezing, wash, drain and remove any damaged berries. To better ensure uniform texture upon thawing, spread the berries out on a cookie sheet or baking pan, place in the freezer until frozen, then put the berries in a plastic bag for storage in the freezer. Berries should last up to a year in the freezer.