Our Pathfinder
Produce market is in full swing, and is now selling Pathfinder grown produce
from the 5210 Hoop House. Our market offers a full variety of FRESH
summer flavors, so why not try something new! We’ll be open this
Thursday, July 10, at the Village Commons from 2 to 5 p.m.
****
This past
weekend I was able to put up several quarts of blueberries. They’re a
real favorite at my house, and nothing says summer like a bowl of fresh,
slightly sweet indigo berries. And because they are easy to freeze, I can use
blueberries throughout the year for pancakes and low-sugar breakfast muffins.
Blueberries are
native to North America, and were a valued food source for Native American
tribes. The Old
Farmers’ Almanac website says the modern blueberry was developed in the
20th century. Other sites state that blueberries were first harvested
commercially in Maine during the Civil War, when they were canned to feed Union
soldiers. The Almanac adds that blueberries are related to rhododendron
and azalea, and they prefer to grow in acidic, rich, well-drained yet moist
soil. Cultivated berries require regular pruning, mulching, and many
growers place nets over them to reduce losses to birds.
There are three
varieties grown in the U.S. - northern highbush, lowbush, and “rabbit-eye,” a
hybrid that grows well in warmer climates. Historically, berries have
been grown in New England and the Middle Atlantic States, but Michigan and
Georgia are also major producers, growing 32% and 10% respectively of the U.S.
crop. Blueberries can be distinguished from identical-looking bilberries
by their light green flesh color. (Other berries are red or purple throughout).
Highbush
varieties grow larger berries than lowbush types; the term “wild” for berries
found in stores is a marketing term to denote lowbush varieties. More
information on “wild blueberries” may be found at www.wildblueberries.com.
According
to the World’s
Healthiest Foods website, blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels
among all fruits, vegetables, spices and seasonings. (Freezing doesn’t
diminish the fruit’s nutritive properties). Blueberries are a very good
source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese, fiber and copper. Other
health benefits include:
- Improved blood-fat balances, including a reduction in total cholesterol, raising of HDL levels, and lowering triglycerides.
- Reduced overall blood pressure and better vascular health.
- Improved blood sugar balances, which is important for those living with Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and/or insulin resistance
- Healthier nervous systems, which are protected from damage by free radicals/oxidative stress.
- Improved memory: In a study involving older adults, 12 weeks of daily blueberry juice consumption (equal to about 1.5 lbs. of whole berries) was enough to improve scores on two tests of cognitive function and memory.
Until next time,
enjoy all the great tastes of summer, and be well!
Lori
