Our favorite boost of blue isn’t new. Blueberries, native to North America, have been part of life here for 13,000 years. The first highbush blueberry bush was successfully cultivated for commercial production in the early 1900s. Today, we grow nearly 1 billion pounds of blueberries in North America each year. A delicious legacy!
As any health-conscious individual knows, incorporating fruit into your diet is a great way to improve your overall wellness. Not only are fruits packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they also provide a wealth of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Among the many different types of fruit available, blueberries are one of the most popular options due to their sweet taste and versatility. Whether you enjoy them on their own as a quick snack, add them to yogurt or cereal, or use them as a colorful garnish, blueberries are a convenient way to get a boost of nutrients. In addition to being a good source of fiber, blueberries also contain vitamins C and K, as well as manganese and anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants.
While you might not think of blueberries as a winter fruit, they are actually grown year-round in the U.S. Thanks to advances in agriculture, farmers in 26 states are now able to produce blueberries commercially. However, the vast majority of that production (more than 98%) takes place in just 10 states. These states stretch from coast to coast, including Oregon and Washington on the west coast, Michigan and New Jersey in the northeast, Georgia and Florida in the southeast, and Minnesota and Texas in the midwest. Thanks to these farms, you can enjoy fresh blueberries no matter what time of year it is.
Blueberries are a wonderful source of vitamins and antioxidants. They are a good addition to your diet whether you are trying to lose weight or just maintain your health. Research shows that blueberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.
So eat up and enjoy!
Information and Images from the Blueberry Council
Find some fun and nutritious blueberry recipes!
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