Plump and pleasing fresh blueberries have a berry-delicious flavor all their own.  Whether you fancy this fruit plain or in baked goods, desserts or salads, take advantage of their peak seasonal availability.  Fresh blueberries are mainly on the market from June through August.

Look for plump, fresh berries of good blue color with a waxy bloom.  Rabbiteye types generally keep better in the refrigerator.  You can expect 2 weeks plus just in an uncovered bowl.  In a bowl covered with plastic wrap they will keep a month or longer  Northern highbush type blueberries pick with a wet scar   these do not keep as long so if you are buying them in the store instead of at the farm, avoid any baskets with leaky berries or with signs of fungus growing from berry to berry.

Fresh blueberries are a good source of vitamin C.  They also contribute fiber, and are low in calories, providing about 82 calories in 1 cup.  Blueberries are also low in sodium (9/mg. per 1 cup serving).    Many consider blueberries to be a Neutriceutical.  Recent research indicates that ½ cup of blueberries has the same level of antioxidant as 2 ¼ cups of broccoli.  Anti oxidants protect your DNA and your collagen in your skin from free radicals.  Much of the antioxidant power comes from anthocyanins that give them their distinctive color. Other research in rats suggests that blueberries improve short-term memory. Still other research suggests that blueberries block urinary tract infections and help eyesight.  Conclusive proof in humans is lacking for these claims but medical experts agree that a diet high in fruits and vegetables is the step in promoting good health.

• Fresh blueberry pie, warm from the oven and overflowing with deep-purple berries is a heavenly dessert.  Top with a cloud of vanilla ice cream.
• Marble your favorite breakfast cereal with fresh blueberries for eye-opening taste.
• Mix fresh blueberries into summer’s fresh fruit salads.
• Add fresh blueberries to package biscuit mix for a easy breakfast treat.
• Fold fresh blueberries into cottage cheese or yogurt for berry-good flavor.
• Prepare fresh blueberry sauce to serve over ice cream, pound cake or waffles.
• Fresh blueberry pancakes are a perfect pleasure!
• Bake up a batch of fresh blueberry muffins to serve with any meal or as snacks.  Fresh blueberry bread, thickly sliced and spread with softened cream cheese, makes a tasty tea sandwich.
• Molded gelatin salads are sensational with fresh blueberries and other fresh fruits.
• Mix fresh blueberries into instant vanilla pudding for appealing color, terrific taste and nugget-like texture.
• Fresh blueberry jam is a treat you can enjoy all year!  Buy extra blueberries and make plenty to spread on muffins, biscuits, toast, pancakes or waffles year around.
• Layer fresh blueberries, freshly sliced strawberries and vanilla pudding in parfait glasses for a red-white-and-blueberry dessert!

Special note:  Pack clean, dry fresh blueberries in freezer containers and freeze for later use in baking.  Frozen blueberries can be used as fresh berries, since they do not lose texture with freezing.