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Blueberries

Vaccinium cyanococcus
June - August

Cooking Tips

  • Blueberries are often used in deserts such as cobblers, crisps, muffins, cakes, pies and breads, or sprinkled atop pancakes.
  • For sauces or fillings, heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat to prevent scorching.
  • Try adding a handful of blueberries to corn bread mix, along with jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
  • For savory dishes, reduce into a sauce with onions and lemon juice, and serve as a lovely counterpoint to salty meats like pork chops and turkey.

Details

Is there any better way to enjoy the brief summer months in Wisconsin than with a handful of freshly picked blueberries? Native to North America, blueberries are in season from the beginning of June through the end of the summer. And the best part? There’s no preparation necessary—just grab a handful as a snack and go.

Blueberries can be difficult to grow in our region as they require a low soil pH (4.5 to 5.5). If you’d like to grow blueberries in Wisconsin, it is best to check the pH of your soil in the spring and fall, and add sulfur as needed until the desired pH is reached before planting. In addition, look for half-high cultivars, which have inherent cold weather hardiness. Our best tip is to get in touch with a Wisconsin blueberry farmer to hear their expert advice.

Nutrition: Like other berries, blueberries are high in dietary fiber and vitamin C. In recent years, blueberries have also been extensively studied for their antioxidant properties, which may improve brain function, help to prevent certain cancers and lower cholesterol.

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