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Homegrown: Blueberries
A rite of summer in New England
by Debbie Maloney
Wild or cultivated, blueberries hold a seasonal joy all their own. Whether you pick them yourself or buy them from a local farm stand, fresh blueberries are a rite of summer in New England.
For a special treat, look for wild, or lowbush, berries from Maine. Maine produces 98 percent of the U.S. lowbush crop. And do indulge -- these local favorites are proving to be an excellent source of phenolic compounds and other antioxidants, which are showing some success in preventing cardiovascular diseases and some cancers.
The best way to enjoy blueberries' sweet, tart flavor, of course, is right out of your hand. But when you tire of purple fingers and find yourself with more than you can eat in one day, this recipe will bring the essence of summer into your kitchen.
Still have plenty of leftovers? Blueberries freeze well. Simply spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, pop them into a plastic bag. Now you can hold summer any day of the year (although we're willing to bet they won't make it too far past Labor Day weekend).
VIDEO: Maine's Blueberry Barrens
READ MORE:
Raking Maine's Blueberry Barrens
Pick blueberries in Maine
More blueberry recipes
RECIPE
Reader Comments
Comment from DIANE VAUGHAN on July 9, 2009
I picked enough blueberries that I have barely one weeks worth left for my cereal. Almost time for more picking. Yes, I did pick a lot last year and ate a lot too.
Comment from willy burns on July 9, 2009
i love blueberries and never get enough. i like them fresh.
Comment from yvonne snyder on July 11, 2009
I can't wait to get out there a pick. We have several farms in our area that are open to pick your own and we also eat our share.
Comment from Genevieve Kennedy on July 15, 2009
As a child in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, with bucket in hand, our family headed to the blueberry fields to spend the day picking, and trying to see who of us could fill our bucket first.. The first person to do so won the right to choose the blueberry dessert for the following day's dinner. I always chose Blueberry Pie.
If I had a penny for every blueberry I picked as a child I'd be very, very rich!
Comment from Russ & Carol Junkins on August 16, 2011
Picked 8lbs 2 weeks ago right here in Hanson, MA at a local blueberry farm, made scones, cake, muffins and a pie so far ~ going to pick some more so I can have them all winter long. Love blueberries and Cranberries ~ Ocean Spray had their first factory here in Hanson.
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