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Dale Bumpers College
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In the News - June 2009
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| Photo by Dan Chapman, U of A |
TEXARKANA, Ark. - Native Americans revered blueberries, and, thankfully, they shared them with the pilgrims to help them make it through their first winter, or so legend says.
The blossom end of each berry forms the shape of a perfect five-pointed star; the elders of the tribe would tell of how the Great Spirit sent "star berries" to relieve the children’s hunger during a famine, according to Carla Haley, Miller County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
Ples Spradley, extension pesticide assessment specialist, says he will soon begin picking his 2 acres of blueberries in Lonoke.
"It looks like a pretty good year for our crop," he says. "The high spring rainfall amounts have produced minor disease problems, but overall the crop looks good. Producers of high bush varieties in north Arkansas run a couple of weeks ahead of us and are probably already picking."
Spradley says he eats what he doesn’t sell. He said they can be preserved by drying and using them as a flavoring or by freezing them. However you consume blueberries, he says, they’re a tasty, healthy treat.
Blueberries contain a high antioxidant content, which is thought to be important for preserving brain function, explains Haley.
Anthocyanin, which is found in the intensely blue pigment of the fruit, is said to contain antioxidants that help protect against many diseases of aging, including heart disease, dementia, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
One serving of blueberries can provide as many antioxidants as five servings of carrots, apples, broccoli or squash, according to Haley. Blueberries have been ranked by USDA studies as the No. 1 antioxidant.
The USDA recommends that adults eat two cups of fruit a day. Blueberries contain only 82 calories per cup serving. They’re a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and manganese.
"Blueberries, fresh or frozen, can help you fulfill that recommendation. Local, fresh blueberries are available now at various farmers markets and supermarkets," says Haley.
"When selecting berries, whether straight from the tree, from a farmers market or on the produce shelf, look for those that are plump and firm with a light silvery bloom," Haley advises. This bloom is a natural protective wax on the berries.
Always select ripe blueberries, which have a light blue to blue-black color. The deepness of the blue will depend upon the variety. If you choose red or green berries, be ready for a sour flavor, since they will not be ripe.
After selecting your blueberries, it’s essential that you store them properly. Because of their fragile nature, Haley says, blueberries should be refrigerated immediately after harvest.
Always store blueberries in a container with a loose cover or cover slightly with plastic wrap. Depending on the initial freshness of the berries, they can be stored in the refrigerator for two days to a week.
"Contrary to what you might want to do, don’t wash berries prior to storing them," Haley advises. Moisture from washing allows mold to grow. Instead, wash them just before you use them.
If you’re going to freeze them for later use, spread them in a single layer on a jelly roll pan and place in the freezer. After they’re frozen, remove them and pack into freezer bags or containers.
"If you want to slow down the effects of aging, why not try a cup of blueberries? Not only are they good for you, they are just plain good," exclaims Haley.
For more information about foods and nutrition, contact your county extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Health and Nutrition. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
June 12, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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