It’s blueberry season!

It’s summer and time to enjoy the blueberries grown here in North Carolina! Weather conditions in the state have resulted in a bountiful blueberry season this year[1], ensuring weeks and weeks of eating blueberries by the handful or in the delicious smoothie recipe below. Known as a superfood, blueberries are a good source of anti-oxidants[2] and are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese[3].

Buying local blueberries in season often costs less[4], and if you stock up, you can preserve them by freezing, canning, or drying, allowing you to enjoy blueberries all year long! The National Center for Home Food Preservation is a great resource to get you started. Want to grow your own blueberries? This guide will help.

North Carolina blueberries are typically available mid-May until mid-August2. Check out our What’s in Season blog post to learn what else is growing in North Carolina this summer.

Banana Berry Smoothie

(Recipe adapted from Deliciously Ella)

1 banana

½ cup blueberries (strawberries are good, too)

½ cup cold water

1 tbsp. oats

1 tbsp. peanut butter (or almond butter)

Peel and slice banana and place in a blender. Add remaining ingredients and blend for 1-2 minutes. Pour in a glass and enjoy!

[1] North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. NC bluberry crop looks to be record http://ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2015/6-15blueberry-season.htm

[2] North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Blueberries: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/commodit/horticul/blueberr/

[3] U.S. Highbush Blueberry County. Blueberry Nutrition: https://blueberry.org/health-benefits/nutrition-facts/

[4] USDA ChooseMyPlate.Gov. Ten tips for affording fruits and vegetables: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet9SmartShopping.pdf