Blueberries

California Giant blueberries are delicious, healthy and available year-round. Easy to add to any meal, so be sure to stock up! Key Nutrition facts: One serving = 1 cup Fat Free 70 calories per serving 25% of your daily supply of Vitamin C14% of your daily supply of Fiber

Here are some tips for shopping and storing blueberries:

Purchasing
Look for berries that are firm and plump. Blueberries should be dark blue with a nice bloom or powdery coating. (Bloom is a natural part of the berries' defense mechanism protecting them from the harsh rays of the sun). Avoid berries that are moldy or shriveled.

Storing
Blueberries will maintain their quality for up to two weeks after harvest if chilled properly. For best shelf life, blueberries should be refrigerated (33°F - 34° F), but not washed until ready to serve. Simply rinse before serving and enjoy. There is no peeling or cutting required.

Freezing
If you would like to freeze your blueberries use berries that are unwashed and completely dry. Place the berries in a re-sealable plastic freezer bag or freezer Tupperware type container into your freezer. The berries will freeze individually and you can remove just the portion you need. Remember to rinse them before using.

Did You Know?
Blueberries are considered to be the fruit with the highest level of antioxidants which are thought to be responsible for lowering the risk of some cancers and improving urinary tract health and memory function. In fact blueberries have more antioxidants per serving that spinach, and most other popular fruits like bananas and apples. Early research findings are also showing that blueberries may be helpful in improving memory function.

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