Summer is just around the corner and what better way than to kick off this time of year than with delicious and nutritious recipes utilizing fresh sustainably grown blueberries?
Blueberries may be small in size but they are tiny powerhouses of nutrition
Blueberries contain a category of phytonutrients called polyphenols including anthocyanins, which are compounds that give blueberries their blue color and also offer a range of health benefits. They’re a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full, as well as other essential nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Blueberries are also incredibly versatile and can be snacked on by the handful or incorporated into both sweet and savory recipes.
It’s important to note that not all blueberries are created equal.
betterful blueberries are a Regenerative Organic Certified® blueberry that is pioneering a regenerative approach to growing blueberries that are tastier for us and healthier for the planet. Regenerative agriculture means they embrace responsible and sustainable farming practices to grow better blueberries with focus on rebuilding working landscapes, restoring natural resources, and revitalizing rural communities.
Start your day off on a nutritious note with my blueberry muffin smoothie that follows my all-day-energy smoothie formula from my book.
Start with 2 servings of fruit – 1 cup of blueberries and a banana, mild tasting veggies like frozen riced cauliflower, plain Greek yogurt for protein, chia seeds for fiber rich fats, oats and almond milk. This smoothie is packed with filling fiber, antioxidants, protein and good fats.
If you are looking for a recipe to bring to your memorial day weekend cookout, you’ll love this easy kale and blueberry and quinoa salad.
Make the dressing by combining ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Then toss together with 3 cups of kale, 1 cup of blueberries, 1/3 cup of diced rd onion, 1/3 cup of pistachios, ½ cup goat cheese and ½ cup of cooked quinoa. This summer salad is satisfying and refreshing balanced with different flavors and textures.
For dessert, enjoy blueberry yogurt popsicles
Simply blend together 2 cups of blueberries with 2 cups of vanilla yogurt, pour into a popsicle mold and freeze until set. These blueberry popsicles are a refreshing summer treat packed with antioxidants and protein.
betterful blueberries are now available for purchase at select Whole Foods and Sprouts through September. You can also find them at other stores across California including Olivers, New leaf, Bi-Rite and Berkeley Bowl.
