Feelin’ Blue Never Tasted So Good: It’s National Blueberry Month

July is all about sunshine, firing up the grills, and most importantly, a whole lot of blueberry lovin’. It's national Blueberry month and I am certainly excited to give these little blue powerhouses the love they deserve. Whether you are popping them by handful or folding them into pancakes, blueberries are the star of the summer.

Let's dive into the juicy details of what makes blueberries so special from the surprising blueberry treats to tips on picking the perfect pint.

Berry Good For You: The Health Benefits of Blueberries

Blueberries might be small, but their health benefits are berry big. Your body will thank you for indulging in them and here are some reasons why.

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, (especially anthocyanins, the thing that makes them blue). The purpose of these are to protect your cells from damage, which is why it’s so important we incorporate foods like these into our everyday lives.

Blueberries are known for their brain-boosting benefits, making them a valuable contribution to overall health. So yes, that muffin might actually in fact make you smarter.

Overall health for the heart can be improved by the intake of blueberries. People who eat more blueberries seem to have a lower blood pressure leading them to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Lastly, they are fiber rich and waistline friendly. Blueberries are sweet but very low in calories, with a decent dose of fiber to keep you full longer. Some consider them as nature's candy with benefits.

Pick of the Patch: Choosing Top-Notch Blueberries

Not all berries are created equal and if you’ve ever bitten into a sour, underripe one, you know the disappointment. Here’s how you can avoid this and find the best of the bunch:

First things first, you need to look for the bloom: That silvery-white coating? It’s called a “bloom,” and it's a natural protective layer. This is a good sign of freshness, so don’t wash it off until you’re ready to eat!

Another major factor of picking the best berry is determining the color. A deep blue with a slight grayish hue means the berry is ripe and ready! Red or greenish? Those are under-ripe and not quite ready for showtime.

Texture also plays a key role, so make sure your berry is plump and slightly firm. Give ‘em a gentle squeeze and you’ll be able to tell if your berry is soft and shriveled, past their prime, or nice and plump, ready to be picked!

Don’t forget about the sweet, sweet smell of blueberries and what this has to offer! A fresh, sweet scent is your cue that the berries are bursting with flavor.

A Berry Sweet Ending

Blueberries may be small, but during July, they get the spotlight they deserve. From boosting your brainpower to surprising your taste buds with bold new flavors, these berries are berry much worth celebrating.

So go ahead and bake that pie, blend that smoothie, or just bring the fun facts about blueberries to the next family or friends gathering.

And remember: life’s just berry sweet with a handful of blueberries!

Sawyer Strauss

Summer Intern at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas