Click here to listen to Foodie Fridays August 24
Notes from the Blueberry Council – More than 700 British Columbian farmers are now out in the fields picking the first of 2011’s BC blueberry crop. This means that consumers can now find the antioxidant-rich sweet berries in their local supermarket’s fresh produce department, at farmers’ markets and farm gates.
Known as “nature’s candy,” BC blueberries are expected to be available through until mid-October this year. After a wet spring, the season got off to a slower start than usual, but the pay-off will be a longer harvest period.
Along with being available at supermarkets, produce stores and farmers’ markets, BC blueberries can also be hand-picked by consumers at the many “u-pick” farms throughout British Columbia. A list of blueberry farms is included on the council’s website and includes “u-pick” options.
Visit www.bcblueberry.com for a range of recipes using the little blue powerhouse. Tasty dishes for home cooks to try include blueberry pavlova (recipe below), blueberry chocolate mousse cups, blueberry-onion sauced pork tenderloin and power pack granola bars. And why not pair your meal with an equally delicious beverage such as pink blueberry lemonade?
Cocktail – ” Don’t be Blue” – Colin Turner CinCin
1.5 oz Beniamino Grappa
1 oz Aperol
0.5 oz lemon
6 blueberries
0.25 oz simple syrup
In a mixing glass, first muddle blueberries, then add the lemon juice and simple syrup. Add grappa and Aperol, with ice and shake hard. Fine strain into a martini glass. Garnish with blueberry.
Cookbook – Healthy Starts Here – Marilyn Smith
Circle Farm Tour – A Circle Farm Tour is basically a road map that directs you to a variety of specialty farm-gate vendors, open air markets, charming eateries, heritage sites, fairs, and other special events. There’s a brochure and map for each participating community.
Langley – Krause Berry Farms
Wine Pick – Fort Wines Valley Girl Blueberry Wine – Crafted from local blueberries, Valley Girl is our only oaked table wine. With an earthy undertone this wine has the allure of a full-bodied merlot with the exceptional flavour of blueberry. This wine pairs well with all types of barbeque such as beef, chicken or salmon.
Health Benefits Blueberries
Blueberries’ Health Benefits:
They are a cancer fighting superfood bursting with antioxidants that fight cancer and other diseases.
Have cholesterol lowering properties and promote heart health.
Prevent macular degeneration.
Promote urinary health.
Have been called “brain food” and can help with Alzheimer’s prevention.
Anti-aging foods (of which wild blueberries are one of the best) can delay and reverse the signs of aging.
Help protect circulatory health.
Are an excellent anti-diabetes food, both in prevention and control of the disease.
Are one of nature’s perfect anti-inflammatory foods.
Help to promote and maintain digestive health.
Aid with weight loss and a healthy diet.
In fact, blueberry nutrition goes way beyond antioxidants…
