Summer is here, which means that it is officially blueberry season. You’re probably already a fan of blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, and blueberry crumble. But you may be wondering what else you can do with summer’s bounty of blueberries. We put together a list of three different ways to eat blueberries that will have your taste buds singing.
Before you find the best way to eat blueberries, here are a few quick tips on the best approach to buying blueberries from our local farmers’ market.
Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Blueberries
- Be sure to look for fruit that is firm, dry, plump, and smooth-skinned.
- Avoid blueberries with leaves or stems.
- Color is important! Berries should be deep purple-blue or blue-black. Reddish berries are not ripe and they will not continue to ripen once picked.
- If you see juice stains on the container, the fruit within may be bruised.
Now, let’s get to those blueberry recipes!
1. Blueberry Mixed Drinks
The beauty of blueberries is how versatile they are, sweet but jam-packed with vitamins, fiber, and heavy levels of antioxidants. Integrating a burst of flavor in your summer drinks is a very unique take on this fruit.
Blueberry Cocktails
You can create some of the most refreshing cocktails when you add blueberries to sangrias and spritzers! Use the following recipes to make these fun blueberry cocktails.
Berry Cherry Sangria Recipe
- 1 bottle of pinot noir or merlot
- 1/2 cup of brandy
- 2 cups cherry pomegranate juice
- 12 oz lemon-lime soda
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1 cup of cherries (pitted)
- 1 cup of strawberries (sliced)
Steps: Mix all ingredients (except for soda) in a large pitcher and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Add lemon-lime soda just before serving. Save leftovers in the fridge for up to 48 hours. For the best results, make this recipe in advance and chill overnight.
Note: This recipe is intended for serving at a party or gathering. You can decrease the amount of each ingredient to create a smaller batch for yourself.
Blueberry Peach Spritzer Recipe
- 1 bottle of sweet sparkling wine
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda
- 1 can peach nectar
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 2 cups peaches (slices or chunks)
Steps: Add fruit to the bottom of a pitcher and then pour in wine and peach nectar. Chill at least 4 hours before serving. Add lemon-lime soda before serving. Save leftovers in the fridge for up to 48 hours. For the best results, make this recipe in advance and chill overnight.
Note: This recipe is intended for serving at a party or gathering. You can decrease the amount of each ingredient to create a smaller batch for yourself.
2. Blueberry Recipes for Breakfast & Lunch
Integrating fresh blueberries into healthier dishes is a fun, new way to switch up your breakfast and lunch meals. Here are two easy ways to add plump and decadent blueberries to two of the most important meals of the day.
Blueberry Overnight Oats for Breakfast
Do you feel like your mornings are rushed with no time to enjoy the most important meal of the day? Try featuring fresh local blueberries in overnight oats or as a flavorful addition when building your breakfast smoothie.
Vanilla Blueberry Overnight Oats Recipe
- 1 package of fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
Step 1: Combine all ingredients (except blueberries) in a bowl.
Step 2: You can leave in a single bowl or portion out into individual servings. (Use mason jars for portability!) Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.
Step 3: Top with fresh blueberries before eating.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Entertaining & Holidays– Learn how to host perfect dinners and learn about Amish holiday traditions.
In The Kitchen – Explore how to make the most out of your Market’s produce and food with recipes, tips & tricks, helpful guides.
Shopping At The Markets– Find helpful advice for shopping at a farmers market on anything from FAQs on shopping in bulk or secrets to choosing the best produce.
Use Blueberries as a Salad Topping
One way to blend summer flavor into your lunches is by adding blueberries as a topping to your salads. Or, you can incorporate the flavor into your salad dressing.
Blueberry Vinaigrette Recipe
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp shallots
- 1/2 tsp salt
Steps: Mix all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Adjust taste accordingly.
Note: Dressing may separate as it sits, so shake before using. Use dressing within 3 days.
3. Turning Your Blueberries Into Jellies & Jams
If you come across a large number of blueberries and don’t want them to go to waste, try using them for jams and jellies! Jams and jellies are constantly confused by many. To keep things easy:
- Jelly is a clearer fruit spread cooked from the juice of said fruit and sugar, making this a sweeter option.
- Jam is thicker with fruit puree and sugars, making this a pulpier consistency.
You can make these jams and jellies within the comfort of your home or you can stop by Sara’s Jar Goods to choose from her jam and jelly collections.
