Chilean Blueberries

Although considered a fruit best consumed in summer, delicious and sweet blueberries can be enjoyed year round thanks to Blueberries from Chile. King Kullen offers Blueberries from Chile, available in our Produce department, throughout the winter so you can enjoy them year round.

Blueberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, as well as being high in manganese, according to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.  Vitamin C aids in a healthy immune system, especially important in the cold temperatures of winter.  Fiber helps keep the body regular, the heart healthy, and cholesterol in check. Manganese plays an important role in bone development and in converting proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy. They’re also low in fat; a one-cup serving is just 80 calories.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council also offers tips on buying and freezing blueberries.  When buying fresh blueberries, look for berries that are firm, dry, plump and smooth-skinned, with a silvery surface bloom and no leaves or stems.  Blueberries should be a deep purple-blue to blue-black.  If they’re reddish, they aren’t ripe and won’t ripen once they are picked but they can still be used in cooking.  Refrigerate blueberries in their original packaging or transfer them to a covered bowl or container.  Be sure to eat them within 10 days of purchase.

If berries won’t be eaten within the 10 days, freeze them!  The berries don’t need to washed but if you prefer to rinse them be sure they are dried well with paper towels before freezing.  Place them in plastic bags or keep them in their original container and freeze!  It’s that easy.  Check out The Everyday Guide to Frozen Blueberries on how best to use your frozen berries.  Add a handful of frozen blueberries to yogurt or oatmeal, or in a fruit smoothie.

Here are some recipes, courtesy of Fruits from Chile.

Blueberry S’mores

Ingredients:

• 8 graham crackers (plain, cinnamon or chocolate)
• peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 banana, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup of blueberries

Instructions:

• Spread peanut butter on graham crackers.
• Sprinkle a handful of blueberries on graham crackers.
• Top with slices of banana.
• Spread peanut butter on other crackers to top bananas and press gently.

Blueberry Pancake Bites

Blueberry and Ricotta Bruschetta

Blueberry and Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

See what else Fruits from Chile offers below: