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Fun Facts

With origins in the Americas, these juicy berries were prized for centuries by Native Americans. Once known as starberries for the star-shaped calyx on top of every berry, blueberries were eaten fresh, dried, in stews, soups, pudding and mixed with meat. Blueberries are very popular now -- second only to the strawberry -- but weren't eaten en masse until around 1916, when farmer Elizabeth White teamed up with the USDA to create sweet new varieties for sale.

Star Power

Blueberry is the gold-medalist of antioxidant action! Unlike other fruit, blueberries reduce oxidative stress in just about every system in the body, from cardio to digestion and sugar control to flexible blood vessel walls and brain smarts. Vitamins and minerals stand out, too. Vitamins A, C and E add to the antioxidant powerhouse. And minerals like potassium stabilize blood pressure; manganese helps build healthy bone and connective tissue; and copper helps the body make red blood cells. Did you know that organic blueberries are higher in antioxidants than conventionally grown blueberries?

Quick Preps

PREPARE: Wash blueberries well in cold water.

• Eat blueberries plain. So yummy!
• Reduce your sugar intake -- buy plain yogurt and sweeten it up with fresh blueberries.
• Add blueberries to a spinach salad with pecans and goat cheese.
• Mix blueberries into oatmeal.
• Buy blueberries in bulk and freeze them to enjoy all winter long!
• Make a smoothie. Blend banana, avocado, spinach and blueberries.