All About Blueberries
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com

Description: Tips for cooking with blueberries.

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If you haven't already done so, now is the time to get out and buy or pick some fresh blueberries. Blueberries give a delicious flavor to baked goods, and ice cream.

Blueberries are easy to grow, but you either have to plant a lot of them, or cover them with nets before they ripen. The birds like them too!

Some people find that their baking turns out soggy when they use fresh blueberries. If you have trouble baking with them, just dry them.

For more information on baking with dried blueberries, see
http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/b_berry.htm

Blueberries also freeze well.

Blueberry picking is a tradition in many families. It can be messy, but it's a good family activity. Children always seem to enjoy things related to nature.

There are several varieties of Blueberries. You will be limited by the variety grown in your area and at the blueberry farms.

You want to pick all blueberries when they are ripe. They should have good, solid blue color and a shiny, firm skin.

If you buy them at the store, check the bottom of the container to make sure they are not dripping liquid.

Blueberries are delicate, so handle them gently. When you get them home do not wash them. Just put them in the refrigerator

If you are going to freeze them, again, do not wash them. You can do that when you thaw them. Just place them in a container with about an inch of air space on top. Fill with syrup until covered. If you plan on baking with them, cover them with syrup (1 1/2 cups sugar in one quart of water).

If you want to use them to top ice cream and waffles, raise the sugar level to 4 parts water to 3 parts sugar.

Blueberries are one of nature's marvels! Don't miss out!

Reprinted with permission from:
All Things Frugal
http://www.allthingsfrugal.com

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