Why Blueberries are the Perfect Treat

Including my Blueberry Crisp Recipe that makes for a perfect summer dessert.

Blueberries have been said to symbolize good health, inner serenity, and overall happiness in one’s life.  And to be honest, I agree entirely. I have fond summer memories of picking wild blueberries – eating as I picked – with my grandparents and then going back to their house and baking with them, making jam, and eating them with a dollop of cream. This experience brought happiness, peace, and connection with both nature and family.

Some blueberry history: 

• Blueberries are one of the very few fruits native to North America. Native Americans not only ate the berries for their sweet taste but also used the leaves and roots for medicinal reasons and to aid in dyeing their clothes. 
• Blueberries are Maine’s state berry, in honour of Abijah Tabbutt, who invented the blueberry rake to aid in the picking of blueberries by hand.
• I love food trivia, to learn more, travel over here.

Why blueberries are healthy:

 Blueberries provide potassium, fibre, and the phytonutrient, bioflavonoids, which the eyes use for night vision. They are packed with antioxidants which do much in the body to help protect healthy cells from damage.

Blueberries are simply delicious: 

 Blueberries are usually an easy food to encourage your kids to eat as they are super sweet tasting. Some of my favourite ways to prepare them are adding them to oatmeal, and yogurt, baking a blueberry crisp, mixing in a smoothie with peaches and bananas or tossing them into salads.

My Blueberry Crisp Recipe

I am pretty lazy in the kitchen; therefore, I lean towards simple yet delicious and nutritious meals using fresh ingredients. I typically have all the below ingredients so making this crisp is quick and can be baking while we eat dinner.

If you can find a blueberry farm close to you, take your kids and pick your blueberries!

Ingredients

• 5 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 lemon
• ¼ cup butter softened
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¾ to 1 cup of granola
• ½ cup chopped nuts (I sometimes do not add them if I have them in my granola) 
• Optional: vanilla, cinnamon

 Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Grate the rind of the lemon and squeeze the juice of half of the lemon.
• Toss blueberries, lemon rind, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Place in a baking dish.
• Combine the butter, maple syrup, granola, and optional if using, until crumbled with a fork. Sprinkle over blueberries.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly. Cool slightly and serve warm with yogurt or ice cream.

xx

dr. heather

Thank you Unsplash for the image.