Blueberries have been showing up at the Farmers Market.

As the weather warms up the Blueberry begins to ripen.  Surely we have had no shortage of warm, even hot, weather this year.

There are several states known for their Blueberries and Michigan is one.  Maine is at the top of the list.

The Blueberry is a plant native to North America.  Native Americans used the plant, and the berries, in many ways.  They revered the plant as a gift from the great spirit and creator.  The word they used for the fruit translated to The Star Berry.

The plant was used as food, a flavoring, and a medicine from the root to the fruit.

I discovered a salsa last week made with the berry and apples.  I am sure I will be able to duplicate this at home.

I used it on a pork butt for the 4th of July.  Coating the pork butt with it before I put it on the smoker it and then as a dipping sauce as we ate it.  Superb.  I’m sure it will do well with beef too.

I was out picking Blueberries with my mother and sisters almost every summer growing up.  I remember the heat and hot sun.  Most of all the berries.  My mom would freeze them and made jam.  On a hot summer day taking a bag of frozen berries from the freezer and munching then was a cooling treat.  As a child who knew the Blueberry was so good for you.

Today many consider the Star Berry a supper food.  High in antioxidants and they have anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties.  (Want healthy skin?  Eat the Blueberry.)  Vitamin B₆, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber.  They also have a minimal effect on blood sugar, even lowering it.  Positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Whether you’re going to go and pick them yourself or buy them at the market or a road side stand enjoy some Blueberries.  They freeze well and are a healthy and tasty treat for children as well as adults.  Enjoy then all year-long.

• Blueberries Directory At WebMD
• When is Blueberry-Picking Season
• Summer Sunburn Relief