Blueberry Bonanza

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Great News About Blues!

By now, you’ve surely heard about some of the many health benefits of blueberries — all the more reason to plant your own blueberries this spring. Here are just a few of their virtues:

• Blueberries are among the top sources of antioxidants, which can slow the aging process and reduce the cell damage that can lead to cancer.
• Recent studies suggest that blueberries may actually reverse memory decline.
• Blueberries are a rich source of anthocyanins; studies suggest anthocyanins may help ward off heart attacks and slow macular degeneration.
• Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C.
• Containing just 40 calories per half-cup serving, sweet blueberries are an ideal low-calorie, great-tasting snack.

Blueberry Bounty

Fresh blueberries need little or no adornment, but at the height of blueberry season, you’ll have plenty of surplus berries for pancakes, cobblers, pies, muffins and fresh juice. Blueberries are also a breeze to freeze: Simply toss them dry into freezer bags or boxes, and rinse before using.

True Blue Pancakes
In this recipe from Rosalind Creasy, these delicious, hearty pancakes get their lovely blue-green hue from the blue cornmeal and, of course, the blueberries.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/4 cups blue cornmeal
3/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup fresh blueberries
Garnish: more fresh blueberries

Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, cornmeal and salt, blending with a spoon. In another bowl, mix egg, milk and oil with a spoon. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir lightly, until the batter is just moist. Fold in blueberries.

Heat lightly greased frying pan or griddle to medium heat. Cook 2 or 3 pancakes at a time, until both sides are golden brown and insides are firm. If necessary, you can keep pancakes warm in a low oven until all are finished. Stack and serve with maple syrup and more fresh blueberries. Yields 8 to 10 medium (3-inch) pancakes.

Busy Day Cobbler
Jane Rogers, owner of Rogers Blueberries, a pick-your-own business in Cameron, N.C., shares a recipe her customers love.

1 stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
4 cups blueberries

Melt butter in 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Mix sugar, flour and milk together. Pour mixture over melted butter. Pour blueberries over the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.

Blueberry Suppliers

These suppliers have a wide selection of blueberries suited to cool and warm climates.

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