Ways to Eat Blueberries

Blueberries are a versatile fruit that can be eaten on their own or mixed into a variety of foods and drinks. This brightly colored fruit is rich in vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants compounds, which help support the health of the body. Blueberries are also high in fiber. Just a handful of blueberries can help you reach your daily requirement.

Eat blueberries on their own. Wash them carefully and eat a bowlful with a spoon as a healthy snack or dessert. One cup of blueberries contains only 80 calories and almost no fat.

Add blueberries to your salsa or salad. For a sweet and savory mix, add blueberries to homemade salsa with diced red pepper, jalapeno, chopped red onion and herbs of your choice. Toss a cup of blueberries into your regular salad for added antioxidants and nutrients.

Make a parfait dessert by layering a tablespoon of blueberries with frozen or fresh yogurt and granola or crushed almonds or pecans in a tall glass. You can use flavored yogurt such as vanilla or flavor plain yogurt with honey. Chill and eat with a spoon for breakfast, dessert or snack.

Mix fresh, dried or frozen blueberries into your muffin, cake, or scone batter. Use blueberries to make an apple-blueberry crumble with an oat topping for dessert. This adds flavor, color and the nutritional value of blueberries to your baked goods. Also add blueberries to your pancake and waffle batter.

Place 2 to 3 blueberries into each section of an ice cube tray. Fill the tray with water or lemonade and freeze. Use the blueberry ice cubes to chill and flavor water and drinks.

Blend half a cup of blueberries with other fruits to make a smoothie. Add water, juice or low-fat milk or yogurt and blend until smooth. Drink immediately as a healthy beverage or snack.

Freeze fresh blueberries immediately in a tightly sealed freezer bag or container to preserve them for use when they are not in season. Frozen blueberries may be added to smoothies and milkshakes or to cooked and baked desserts. Blueberries can also be eaten as a dried fruit. However, make sure store-bought dried blueberries do not contain added sweeteners. You can get almost 14 milligrams of vitamin C -- 25 percent of your daily requirement -- in just one cup of blueberries. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that keeps your immune system, gums and blood vessels healthy.Ensure blueberries are thoroughly washed before eating by soaking them in warm water or running water over them. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before eating blueberries. All berries and fruits contain natural sugars that may be restricted if you have any type of diabetes.Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Sep 7, 2012

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