Finding Fresh Blueberries

Answer 1

Blueberries are a very popular fruit grown in the United States. They are one of the only fruits that grow naturally in North America. It is a known fact that the Native Americans taught the Pilgrims how to grow and use blueberries for food as well as medicine. These berries grow on bushes and after planting it takes up to two years before the plant bears any fruit. As this fruit is easy to cultivate in varying climates and contain many nutrients, they are a popular choice among consumers.

In groceries stores, Blueberries come in many forms. The most commonly seen is in small cartons in the fruit and vegetable section, which are fresh berries. Thanks to modern transportation methods, many blueberries are imported from countries in South America and Australia. This makes it possible to enjoy fresh blueberries almost year round.

Many times blueberries are processed and canned. Berries in this form usually contain sugar and syrup for use in pies or sauces. The convenience of canned berries is remarkable. All the consumer has to do is open and use. Canned blueberries also have a long shelf life and are easy to store for future use.

Sometime frozen blueberries are preferred by consumers. Picked fresh and flash-frozen, these berries contain the same nutrients and antioxidants of fresh. This way of packaging is economical, too. By using portions of berries from the package, the rest stay frozen for later use.

Dried blueberries go through processing for snack foods and other uses. Most of the time, fresh, un-frozen berries are used in the manufacture of dried berries. There are several ways that the fresh fruit can be dried. One method is to fill the berries with syrup, which forces out water. Another way is to quick-freeze the berries before they are dehydrated. Either method produces a product that can be stored for long periods without spoilage.

With their versatility and variety of packaging options, blueberries are always a favored choice when fruit is needed. Full of antioxidants, nutritious and very flavorful, blueberries have a timeless appeal. Whether they are fresh, canned, frozen or dried, blueberries are truly American, available in any area grocery stores all year round.