Quebecers take pride in their locally grown blueberries: discover their benefits and how to freeze or dry them to ensure you have some on hand all year long.
Blueberries: berry delicious
In Quebec, we’re lucky to be one of the biggest blueberry producers in the world. In August, the blueberry fields are full and ripe for the picking, with a few regions, including Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, producing wild blueberries in abundance. Discover all the benefits of blueberries, along with how to freeze and dry them so you can enjoy them all year long. Plus, we have a few suggestions to add them to your recipes.Blueberries: small fruit, big benefits
Sweet and slightly tart, blueberries are packed with benefits. This fruit, like bilberries, contains more antioxidants than all other berries (i.e., strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries). Known to boost the immune system, while protecting the body against free radicals, antioxidants are also known for reducing the risk of developing various types of cancers and several chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes. Blueberries are also reported to have an impact on balance, coordination, and cognitive issues linked with aging, and could therefore potentially help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Several vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables also offer antioxidant protection. So go ahead and fill your plates with a wide selection of fresh fruits and veggies—they’re both nutritious and delicious!Preservation: frozen or dried?
Take advantage of the abundance of local blueberries to stock up now. Since they tend to shrivel up relatively quickly (even in the fridge), consider freezing your blueberries! Simply lay them out on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for a few hours. Once frozen, store them in containers or freezer bags, that way you’ll always have some blueberries on hand for your favourite recipes. Another option to consider: dehydrated blueberries, which keep in the pantry for several weeks, if not months. To do so, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake them a few hours at your oven’s lowest temperature setting, leaving the oven door slightly ajar. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. If you have a dehydrator, now’s the time to use it. Simply set the temperature to 57°C (135°F) and place the blueberries inside. Dried blueberries can replace raisins in all your recipes.Fresh blueberries for days
If you want to keep your blueberries in the fridge and eat them fresh, make sure to sort them and only keep those that are firm and free of bruising. To do this, lay out some blueberries on a clean cloth and spread them out gently with your hands in order to remove any leaves, and soft, wet, or crushed fruit, as well as any other undesirables (like insects). You can also use the back of a butter knife to carefully move the fruits on the cloth. Note that the less you move the blueberries, the longer they’ll last! Next, place them in an airtight plastic container, with a paper towel at the bottom and on the top: this will absorb any excess moisture, which may cause the blueberries to spoil prematurely. Following the above-mentioned tips will allow you to enjoy handfuls of blueberries for about two weeks.Blueberries: in the kitchen
Blueberries make a great addition to a variety of dishes. Once cooked, their sweet flavour is even more pronounced.- For breakfast, in a yogurt and granola bowl drizzled with maple syrup, or in a smoothie;
- In muffins or breakfast bars;
- In ice pops;
- In sweet bites: simply melt dark chocolate, dip the blueberries into the melted chocolate, and place on a baking sheet. Let harden in the fridge. A sweet treat everyone will love!
- And of course, in the classic blueberry pie! Here is a version baked on the BBQ—ideal for hot summer days where you don’t want to turn on the oven.
