By Staff
You can always tell what season it is by the phone calls we receive here at the Escambia County Extension Office. Right now it's Blueberry Picking time - just in time for the Alabama Blueberry Festival on June 21st at the Burnt Corn Creek Park in downtown Brewton. It is a great way to enjoy good food, crafts of all kind, and wholesome family fun.
Tasty blueberries will be available fresh at the festival, local supermarkets, and produce markets, around town. Be ready to sample specialty dishes too. Buy a couple of bushes this year, and by next year you'll have your very own home grown blueberries to enjoy. Yes, they produce that fast!
Blueberries are really good for you. They are among nature's most powerful antioxidant compounds.
In the past, it was recommended not to wash blueberries because it might cause the berry's skin to toughen. But with the concern about food safety, food preservation experts have developed some guidelines for washing blueberries that minimizes the possibility of the skin toughening.
To enjoy the blueberries right away: Place the fresh berries in a colander and quickly rinse with cold water. A colander drains water off the fruit quickly.
Blueberries should never be allowed to stand in water. If they do, the skin may become tough. Pat the fruit dry with paper towels. Then simply enjoy eating them as a snack or in a recipe. Other ways to enjoy the fruit are:
Freezing Blueberries: