It is almost peak Blueberry Season in North America and July is National Blueberry Month! Break out the Rolling Pin and Flour and prepare for Blueberry Pie, Blueberry Buckle and even Blueberry Cookies! Blueberries are generally available from April through October with the "peak" of the season occurring in July.

The blueberry is native to North America and is closely related to the cranberry. The blueberry shares no "family" relationship with the strawberry or blackberry or raspberry. Blueberries have a whole host of nutrients in them. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and contain fiber, Vitamins A and C. They are also thought be cholesterol reducers!

A wonderful healthy snack food, one of the greatest things about blueberries for snacking is their portability. No need to "fix" them up, just toss in a small bag or snack bowl and off you go!
To store blueberries, simply toss them into the refrigerator in a bag or a covered bowl. Blueberries will maintain their freshness for up to two weeks (if they last that long and are not eaten up sooner!) in the refrigerator. It is very easy to freeze blueberries as well. There is no need to blanche or coat with sugary syrups, simply toss in a freezer bag, remove all the air and store for up to 3 months! Blueberries do not lose their nutritional value over short periods of storage as the pigment in their skins protects their antioxidants.

Don't forget your babies either! Most pediatric sources say that babies over the aged of 8 months old may begin to eat blueberries! Mix blueberries in yogurt, with applesauce and bananas, spoon blueberry puree in cereals and over toast, or use as finger food for those able to eat finger foods!

Many believe that blueberries fall under the "no berries until after age 12 months old" rule. Blueberries are not really a common allergen - they are not in the "berry" family. Blueberries are related to cranberries - cranberries appear on many lists of "least allergenic foods" Blueberries are not related to strawberries, raspberries and the like. Those "true" berries may be mild to highly allergenic. (As always, you should consult with your pediatrician before introducing foods or changing your infant's diet!)

Blueberry Nutrients (one cup - raw - 16% of DV of fiber)

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 78 IU
Vitamin C - 14 mg
Vitamin K - 28 mcg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 22 mcg
Niacin - .60 mg

MINERALS:
Potassium - 112 mg
Phosphorus - 17 mg
Magnesium - 22 mg
Calcium - 9 mg
Sodium - 2 mg
Iron - 1.40 mg
Also contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper.