July belongs to blueberries in Michigan. Blueberries are so easy to eat and enjoy, and they taste great. They have been enjoyed for centuries in our nation, and are a true native American species.

Early settlers cherished the fruit as a staple ingredient in foods and medicines. They incorporated the berries into their diets, eating them fresh off the bush and adding them to soups, stews, and many other foods.
When buying blueberries, look for firm, plump berries that have a powdery, grayish-blue color. To prevent fresh berries from turning soft, wash them just before eating. When storing, wrap tightly and refrigerate. Do not wash them before freezing. If washed, they turn into a solid form and become mushy upon thawing. Instead, blueberries should be frozen so they pour individually from an airtight bag or container.

In addition to their visual appeal, intense blue color, and sweet delectable flavor, blueberries are a healthy and convenient food. They require no pitting or peeling – just rinse, eat, and enjoy! Blueberries have much more to offer than good looks and great taste. Luscious, sweet blueberries have a nutrition profile fitting for the new millennium. They’re low fat, sodium free, and a good source of both fiber and vitamin C. In fact, a one-cup serving of fresh blueberries will give you five grams of fiber—more than most fruits and vegetables—and 15 percent of your daily vitamin C at a cost of only 80 calories.

On this page is a recipe for those watching their sugars and carbs. You can have your blueberry cheesecake and eat it too!