What, A Free Blueberry Cobbler Donut and More?

Freebie Alert – Donut Full of Blueberries?
June 6th is National Donut Day and to celebrate, you can get a free donut from participating Dunkin’ Donuts with the purchase of a beverage. Actually you can get any donut while supplies last, but since we are all about blueberries, why not get one of these new, “limited” edition Blueberry Cobbler Donuts? We are not in any way sponsoring this, but like most, appreciate a free donut especially since it features blueberries!

Blueberries maintain trend in US Households
As in 2012, 2013 saw blueberries purchased by 48% of American households! Currently blueberries rank as the #8 among the top twenty fruits. Blueberry consumption per capital is stronger in the northeast. Price seems to be a limiting factor, but there is a secret you know if you read this site and that is don’t overlook frozen blueberries. Not only are frozen blueberries a great value, but they maintain their healthy qualities. Even better, frozen berries are incredibly convenient. According to UC Davis, in 2013 berries as a group, accounted for 18.9% of total fruit sales. Apples came in second at 14.2%!

Fresh Blueberries Are Easy To Store!
With fresh blueberries from North Carolina and other areas starting to show up at your local grocery and farmers markets, it might do share some tips on blueberry storage.

If you plan to eat them within a few days:
– sort out the damaged, dirty, or moldy blueberries, wash and put in bowl lined with paper towel.
If you need to store them longer than a few days:
– sort, DO NOT WASH as they will deteriorate faster, store in airtight container, wash prior to eating
If you plan to freeze your fresh blueberries:
– do not wash, remove stems, leaves and damaged berries, then freeze in single layer in pan or cookie sheet
– then bag, removing as much air as possible or better yet, use vacuum sealer.

Basically resist washing your fresh blueberries unless you plan to eat then within a few days. Washing blueberries before freezing can cause the skins to get tough.