Blueberries
Blueberries conjure up images of blue stained fingers, fresh, fruity summer desserts and warm muffins. Ways to enjoy blueberries are endless. They're tiny, but blueberries are packed with a flavor all their own.
Blueberries not only taste great, but they're also a good source of vitamin C, iron and fiber. They're 
cholesterol-free, sodium-free and an important source of potassium. Best of all, blueberries contain only 80 calories per cup.
The harvest season for fresh blueberries in Georgia is late-May through mid-July, but frozen and canned blueberries are available year-round in most supermarkets. In Georgia, blueberries are grown commercially primarily in the southern part of the state, especially around Alma. Some blueberries are, however, successfully grown in the north Georgia mountains.
Buyers Guide to Blueberries
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Look for plump, firm, fresh blueberries that are a light powdery blue-gray color.
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If covered properly and refrigerated, fresh blueberries will keep up to three weeks.
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Frozen blueberries can last up to two years, if stored properly.
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To reduce color streaking when baking with blueberries, use hard frozen blueberries.
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When preparing fresh fruit salads, add blueberries for a wonderful color.
Best Ways to Enjoy Blueberries
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Take a handful and pop them in your mouth.
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Top blueberries with sugar, milk or cream; or add to cereal for breakfast.
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Drop fresh blueberries in sparkling water for a refreshing afternoon drink.
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Add a tangy twist to poultry, fish and meat by adding blueberry sauce.
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Mix blueberries with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, peaches, cantaloupe and honeydew for fresh fruit salad.
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For a delicious breakfast, make blueberry waffles or pancakes and top with blueberry syrup.
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Blueberries make tasty jams, jellies and preserves.
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Fill meringue shells with blueberries and top with whipped cream for an elegant dessert.
Fun Facts about Blueberries
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North America produces 95 percent of the world´s commercial blueberry crop.
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Blueberries are native to the northern hemisphere, especially Europe and the mountains of the tropics.
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Because of their abundance, blueberries were important to the diets of the Indians in the New World.