I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill
On Blueberry Hill where I found you
On Blueberry Hill where I found you
They may rank #5 on the Dirty Dozen list – so be sure to buy organic – but blueberries are phytonutrient superstars. In fact, these little gems have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. This is mainly due to the presence of Anthocyanin. That's the pigment responsible for their lovely blue color. So take advantage of the season, load up on these yummy berries and rev up your immune system.
Bonus: a study at the University of Michigan suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Sweet!
How To Pick 'Em
Choose ripe berries that are firm and rich in color. It's best not to wash your berries until right before eating, as washing will remove the bloom – the whitish hue – that protects the skin from degradation. Gently pat them dry and store in a covered container in the refrigerator, where they'll keep for about a week. Ha, just try to keep them a week! Bet you can't do it. These babies will be calling your name.
Here's a thick and creamy post-workout smoothie I've enjoyed every day this week.
Bonus: a study at the University of Michigan suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Sweet!
How To Pick 'Em
Choose ripe berries that are firm and rich in color. It's best not to wash your berries until right before eating, as washing will remove the bloom – the whitish hue – that protects the skin from degradation. Gently pat them dry and store in a covered container in the refrigerator, where they'll keep for about a week. Ha, just try to keep them a week! Bet you can't do it. These babies will be calling your name.
Here's a thick and creamy post-workout smoothie I've enjoyed every day this week.
Berry Boost
2 C organic blueberries
2 frozen bananas
4 Tbsp Garden of Life Raw Protein
1 1/2 C Zico Pure Coconut Water
Place all ingredients in your favorite blender, hit the magic button, and voilà.
Here's a sampling of some other raw vegan recipes where I've found my blueberry thrill. Enjoy!
♥ Ambitious Kitchen serves up beautiful vegan coconut ice cream with hints of lavender and swirls of wild blueberries. Does a summer treat get any better than this?
♥ I felt like I hit the lottery recently when I discovered the site Raw Food Recipes. It's definitely one of my new favorite haunts in cyberspace. Lots of fab food porn to explore, but this Blueberry Mango Sorbet and Chocolate-Blueberry Pudding ought to keep your inner voyeur happy for awhile.
♥ Talida made this tasty Ultra Creamy Raw Vegan Blueberry Cheesecake for her son's 4th birthday party. Lucky boy!
How 'bout you? What's your favorite way to enjoy fresh blueberries in season? Thrill us with your recipes below!