I have been mildly obsessed with blueberries lately, and even though there aren’t blueberry patches near us where you can pick your own, I’ve been getting berries at the grocery store that are surprisingly tasty. I eat about ½ C a day and they’re an excellent snack in the afternoon while I’m at work, or something to tide me over before dinner.
Blueberries! They’re berry delicious! (Sorry-not-sorry; couldn’t resist. Didn’t try very hard!) On cereal, by themselves, in salads, or in smoothies, blueberries add antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber to your daily diet. Specifically, 1 cup of blueberries adds 14% of your daily fiber and 25% of your daily vitamin C, and they do it with fewer than 100 calories. (Sweet! Literally!) Blueberries are also high in manganese, which is important to healthy bones. Feeling thirsty? Blueberries are 85% water!
Blueberry plants are relatively easy to grow. They like full sun and well-drained, but still slightly moist soil that’s also slightly acidic. The soil pH should be between 4 and 5. Birds and other wildlife like the berries as much as humans do, so protect your plants with lightweight netting to discourage snacking by wildlife.
I love blueberries because they’re small and easy to eat. They’re sweet without being cloyingly sweet. They’re nutritious but so fresh & delicious that I forget they’re good for me!
How do you like your blueberries? Have you had any recently? Grab a handful for a snack or throw some on your cereal and tell me what you think!
Cheers! Here’s to your health!