{"id":2293041,"date":"2024-07-11T20:10:59","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T00:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fun-facts-about-blueberries-a-superfood\/"},"modified":"2024-07-11T20:18:17","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T00:18:17","slug":"fun-facts-about-blueberries-a-superfood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fun-facts-about-blueberries-a-superfood\/","title":{"rendered":"Fun Facts About Blueberries, A Superfood"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">12<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Ffun-facts-about-blueberries-a-superfood%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2293041&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Americans enjoy\u200c blueberries year-round, \u200cwith the U.S. per capita consumption more than\u200b tripling since the \u2062mid-2000s. Michigan \u200bis one\u2063 of the\u200b top U.S. producers of blueberries, with the berries available fresh during the\u2063 summer months. Blueberries\u2063 are native to\u200b North America and \u2062have several health benefits, including being a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Blueberries are easy to freeze,\u200c can be eaten\u200b fresh, and are a versatile ingredient in recipes. Michigan \u200cState University \u2064Extension offers resources on growing blueberries, and there are many ways to incorporate blueberries into recipes, such as\u2064 blueberry jam. A simple \u2062blueberry jam recipe is provided\u2064 for those who want to make their own. Maine grows the most wild blueberries, and blueberries rank as the second most important\u2064 commercial berry crop in the U.S.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><br \/>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\"> <?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<header> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/lifestyle\/\">  Lifestyle &#038; Human Interest <\/a>   <span> <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/author\/msuextension\/\">  <\/a> <\/p>\n<p> <span>   By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/author\/msuextension\/%20\"><span>Dixie Sandborn, Michigan State University Extension<\/span><\/a> <\/span> <span>   July 11, 2024 at 2:59pm <\/span> <\/span>  <\/header>\n<section>\n<p>Americans enjoy blueberries year-round, fresh or frozen, in muffins, pancakes, or smoothies.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, the U.S. per capita consumption has more than tripled since the mid-2000s, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ers.usda.gov\/data-products\/chart-gallery\/gallery\/chart-detail\/?chartId=78892#:~:text=U.S.%20consumption%20of%20fresh%20blueberries%20is%20growing%20Demand,since%202005%2C%20to%20exceed%201.5%20pounds%20per%20person.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Agriculture<\/a> market reports.<\/p>\n<p>Michigan is one of the top U.S. producers of blueberries, with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/strawberry-picking-season-upon-us-fun-facts-yummy-fruit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">berries<\/a> available fresh during the summer months. Take a trip to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sanctuary-state-six-time-deported-illegal-alien-guilty-of-triple-murder\/\" title=\"Sanctuary State: Six-Time Deported Illegal Alien Guilty of Triple Murder\">blueberry farm<\/a> to learn more about blueberries, how they are grown, and where they go after they leave the farm.<\/p>\n<p>As you enjoy the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/state-to-have-its-first-ever-buc-ees-location-texas-based-chain-announces\/\" title=\"Texas-based chain Buc-ee&#039;s announces first-ever location in the state\">tasty treat<\/a>, take some time to learn and share some plant science and other facts about blueberries. Here are a few fun blueberry facts:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blueberries are native to North America.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aihd.ku.edu\/foods\/blueberry.html#:~:text=Medicine,tuberculosis%20(Scully%2C%20125).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Native Americans<\/a> used blueberries for medicinal purposes.<\/li>\n<li>The U.S. is the world\u2019s largest blueberry producer, both cultivated and wild.<\/li>\n<li>Michigan led the nation in cultivated blueberry production until 2014.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries are true berries that have seeds surrounded by fleshy fruit. For a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/fun-facts-bananas-one-americans-loved-fruits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fruit<\/a> to be a true berry, it must be produced from a single ovary.<\/li>\n<li>Michigan grows more than 20 varieties of blueberries.<\/li>\n<li>There are 575 farm families that grow and process Michigan blueberries.<\/li>\n<li>There are more than 20,000 acres of blueberries in Michigan, yielding an average of 5,000 pounds of berries per acre.<\/li>\n<li>Some blueberry plantings in Michigan date back to 1930, and over half of the acreage is more than 40 years old.<\/li>\n<li>Fresh blueberries have about 80 calories per cup.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries are considered a superfood.<\/li>\n<li>One serving of blueberries contains almost 25 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C and a good source of manganese.<\/li>\n<li>Because of the high amount of antioxidants in blueberries, they may help prevent damage caused by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/new-research-shows-cancer-patients-may-need-less-of-these-types-of-treatment-for-better-results\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cancer<\/a>, heart disease, and Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are truly blue in color.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries grow best in acidic soil at a pH of 4.5 to 5.5.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries are grown commercially in 38 states.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries were added to the White House\u2019s kitchen garden in 2011.<\/li>\n<li>Blueberries rank as the second most important commercial berry crop in the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>Maine grows the most wild blueberries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pete Callow, a retired technician who worked as a blueberry researcher assistant at Michigan State University since 1984, states \u201cBlueberries are a terrific fruit, they taste great, are good for you, there\u2019s no pit, you don\u2019t have to peel or slice them, they\u2019re easy to freeze, you can eat them fresh or bake with them. Plus, you can harvest them standing up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Blueberries are available all year, but if you want your own fresh off the bush, you may find a <a href=\"https:\/\/upickfarmsusa.com\/blueberry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pick-your-own farm<\/a> near you to get the freshest, tastiest blueberries.<\/p>\n<p>To learn about growing blueberries, Michigan State University Extension has a number of resources on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/blueberries\/growing_blueberries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">growing blueberries<\/a> page. Also, check out the \u201cUsing, Storing and Preserving Blueberries\u201d fact sheet, available from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.msue.anr.msu.edu\/resources\/michigan_fresh_blueberries?_gl=1*10b9cv0*_ga*MTAxNDA0MTQ4Mi4xNzEyOTU2MDYx*_ga_1W8PSKFY0Q*MTcyMDczMDA0MS43Ny4xLjE3MjA3MzA5OTMuMC4wLjA.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan Fresh<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There are many ways to incorporate blueberries into recipes, such as <a href=\"http:\/\/www.blueberrycouncil.org\/blueberry-recipe\/blueberry-stuffed-french-toast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">blueberry stuffed French toast<\/a>. One of my favorite ways to enjoy blueberries, especially in the winter, is blueberry jam.<\/p>\n<p>The following is an easy blueberry jam recipe you can make with kids, adapted from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everydaycookingadventures.com\/real-simples-truly-simple-blueberry-jam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Simple Magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Easy Blueberry Jam<\/h3>\n<p>Makes approximately 3 cups.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong><br \/>  5 cups blueberries (approximately 2.5 pints)<br \/> 1\/2 cup sugar<br \/> Juice from 1 lemon<br \/> 1\/4 teaspoon kosher salt<\/p>\n<p><strong>Directions<\/strong><br \/>  In a medium saucepan, add the blueberries, sugar, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gwyneth-paltrow-covid-lockdown-so-bad-i-ate-bread-drank-alcohol\/\" title=\"Gwyneth Paltrow: Covid Lockdown So Bad, I Ate Bread, Drank Alcohol\">lemon juice<\/a>, and salt. Stir to combine and gently smash the blueberries with the back of a large spoon until they begin to release their juices. Some berries will still be somewhat whole and that is fine.<\/p>\n<p>Heat over medium high heat for approximately 18 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mixture will thicken and darken in color. Remove from heat and pour jam into glass jars. While still hot, place lids on jars to seal them.<\/p>\n<p>Store jam in refrigerator for one month or place in freezer for up to one year.<\/p>\n<h3>Blueberries for Sal<\/h3>\n<p>After a tasty blueberry treat, I suggest reading \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Blueberries-Sal-Robert-McCloskey\/dp\/014050169X\/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1330409734092112&#038;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.liIGRjDckd6VBpezZFq7-sKM7_RfWtMlgtaEAybBjghqkRS1SFlQkP4hB1Dm5QmZZVBoX6F_guUE_mzBWi54DedCts3KEIJMKSifj_LyH1fITZ_odrCK8P_glalg2frCIkX4IDp9DsrqRDXgQfmt5jNfkN2fsF5cNwUVotxHQKIkNVd5hsjq7TtIrqo2wQZF0PivYKzZblMklc4cPU5ipeG8swJghbF1llKvMRaSNMI.7Awcp94aHOYPBllH8Qr1HYtQURB21Cxa-NnP-N6bMs8&#038;dib_tag=se&#038;hvadid=83150841268236&#038;hvbmt=be&#038;hvdev=c&#038;hvlocphy=43405&#038;hvnetw=o&#038;hvqmt=e&#038;hvtargid=kwd-83151062170566%3Aloc-190&#038;hydadcr=9660_13530739&#038;keywords=blueberries+for+sal&#038;msclkid=675633554c151629d07955c50b1dcdc2&#038;qid=1720731402&#038;sr=8-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Blueberries for Sal<\/a>.\u201d This book is geared for 3-7 year-olds. Sal and her mother are picking blueberries to can for winter, but when Sal wanders to the other side of Blueberry Hill, she discovers a mama <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/see-bear-cub-alone-wild-dont-make-mistake-people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bear<\/a> preparing for her own long winter.<\/p>\n<p>Sal\u2019s mother is followed by a small bear with a big appetite for berries. Will Sal and the small bear find their own mamas?<\/p>\n<p><em>This article appeared originally on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canr.msu.edu\/outreach\/index\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michigan State University Extension<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/body><\/html><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Americans have a strong love for blueberries, consuming them fresh or frozen in various dishes year-round. Michigan is a top producer of blueberries in the U.S., with the berries available during the summer months. Blueberries are considered a superfood due to their high antioxidant content, and they are also a good source of dietary fiber. Blueberries are easy to freeze and can be enjoyed fresh or baked into dishes. There are many resources available for those interested in growing blueberries, and there are numerous ways to incorporate them into recipes. One simple recipe for blueberry jam is provided, and it is suggested to read the children&#8217;s book &#8220;Blueberries for Sal&#8221; after enjoying a blueberry treat<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2293042,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/boxed-blueberries.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[34732,8472,13808],"class_list":["post-2293041","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-blueberries","tag-nutrition","tag-superfood"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/boxed-blueberries.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2293041","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2293041"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2293041\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2293042"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2293041"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2293041"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2293041"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}