Blueberry Picking Season!

Jessica Roy, MS, RD, LDN

Blueberry picking season is upon us! Blueberries are a particularly delicious and nutrient packed fruit, high in antioxidant content as well as vitamin C (hello healthy immune system!). Blueberries are such a versatile fruit and can be used at any meal or snack. Read on for my top ways to enjoy blueberries this season!

Breakfast — Add blueberries to oatmeal for a fiber rich meal that will keep you going strong until lunch.

Lunch — My favorite summer salad is tossed baby spinach, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and yes, those beautiful berries!

Dinner — Try this blueberry sauce over any meat:

• 1 C blueberries
• 1 C stock (I use beef stock for red meat)
• 2 T butter or ghee
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 t fresh thyme
• 2 T minced shallots
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Add the butter, cloves, and garlic to a hot pan and cook until softened. Add stock and thyme, lower heat to simmer for 10 min. Add blueberries and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over beef, chicken, lamb, or pork!

Snack — Add blueberries to plain yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a sweet snack.

Of Course Dessert — Blueberry pie is a classic, I also love these mini blueberry crisps:

• 2 t cornstarch
• ¼ C old fashioned oats
• 2 T brown sugar
• 2 T whole wheat flour
• 2 T chilled butter
• ¼ t salt
• 1 C blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350 F and coat two small ramekins with cooking spray. Coat blueberries with cornstarch and place ½ C in each ramekin. Add remaining ingredients to a small bowl and mix well. Divide half of the mixture into each ramekin and bake on a cookie sheet for 30-35 minutes.