Our Best Blueberry Recipes to Make This Summer (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat blueberries every day? ›

Absolutely. In fact, blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits for you, Zumpano says. “Studies show that they help protect against aging, cancer and damage to your DNA.” A standard serving of 100 grams (3/4 of a cup) provides 65 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates.

In the previously mentioned study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers noted that cognitive function also improved when participants ate about 3/4 cup of blueberries a day.

Peak Ripeness. Another reason U-Pick Blueberries taste better than store-bought berries is because you can choose to pick the most ripe ones. Fully ripened to perfection blueberries are dark blue with a light white, cloudy coating called the “bloom” around them. This coating is completely natural and safe.

If someone has an allergy or hypersensitivity to the fruit or any of its components, they should avoid its consumption. Also, as is the case in almost all cases, excessive consumption of blueberries can lead to short-term side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Add blueberries to peach crisp, granola, quinoa cereal, or fresh peaches and other fruit. The best way to eat them, though: Raw and by themselves. Many people add blueberries to baked goods, like muffins, pies, and pancakes, but this is a less healthy way to eat them.

Which Berry is Most Nutritious? They're all healthy choices, but the “best” distinction may well go to black raspberries, says dietitian Kathleen Johnson. A raspberry cousin with a deeper color, they provide very high antioxidant levels along with fiber and relatively little natural sugar.

Yet, as many people eat few berries but drink several cups of coffee per day, the total amount of antioxidants provided by coffee far outweighs that of berries — even though berries may contain greater amounts per serving.

Since blueberries are frozen soon after they are picked, “they are equal in quality to fresh,” Plumb explains. She analyzed the anthocyanin content of blueberries frozen for one, three, and five months and found no decrease in antioxidants over fresh berries.

Freezing fresh blueberries is as simple as the delicious little berries themselves. Just bring them home and pop them into the freezer! You can even use the plastic clamshell container you purchased them in. Ideally, freeze your blueberries as they are and wait to rinse them when you take them out of the freezer.

Is it OK to eat a whole pack of blueberries? ›

"Overconsuming blueberries can cause potential health concerns like excessive calorie intake, fiber overload leading to GI issues, spikes in blood sugar and oxalate overload leading to kidney stone formation," she says. With that in mind, we suggest sticking to the recommended 1/2 cup daily.

Mixing a little coriander in with your blueberry desserts or pancakes will make the blueberries taste more, well, blueberry-y. And there's a scientific reason why.

With its sweet, woody flavor, cinnamon works with blueberry to wrap around you and warm you all the way through.

Don't forget about spices and herbs. Blueberries pair well with basil, cinnamon, ginger, lavender, lemon, thyme, nutmeg, rosemary, mint, and many more!

How many blueberries a day? Blueberries are something that can be enjoyed every day, and two handfuls of blueberries, which is the equivalent of 4 heaped teaspoons, counts towards one of your five-a-day portions. Research has found that eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

While blueberries are generally considered to be a healthy food, they can sometimes cause digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea. If you eat too many blueberries, you may experience stomach pain or cramping. To avoid these issues, eat blueberries in moderation and make sure to drink plenty of water.

Blueberries contain salicylates, naturally occurring compounds that can cause adverse reactions in individuals sensitive to them. Symptoms might include headaches, stomach pain, and rashes. Excessive consumption of blueberries might interfere with the absorption of other essential nutrients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating about 2 cups of a variety of fruit daily for most adults, which could include blueberries. 12 Consuming too much of anything can make you feel sick, so it's a good idea not to overdo it.