As July rolls in, so does National Blueberry Month, a celebration of one of nature's most delightful and nutritious fruits. Although the prime blueberry season is coming to a close in coastal Alabama, the excitement around this berry continues.

Blueberries, renowned for their versatility, make a delicious snack on their own and are a fantastic addition to meals, desserts and sauces. Whether enjoyed fresh from the farm or as a vibrant sauce on a dish, blueberries add flair to any culinary creation.

The domestication of the blueberry, once a wild berry, began in the early 1900s through the pioneering efforts of Elizabeth Coleman White and Dr. Frederick V. Coville. Before their groundbreaking work, wild blueberries were never successfully cultivated for personal or commercial use. Their efforts revolutionized blueberry farming, allowing these delicious berries to be enjoyed widely.

Today, thanks to White and Coville's legacy, both producers and private gardeners can cultivate blueberries, ensuring a steady supply from farm to table and grocer shelves. These vibrant berries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also pack a punch in vitamins and health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants and promoting heart health. They are often regarded as a superfood and are low in calories.

National Blueberry Month was established by the National American Blueberry Council and has been officially recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture since 2003. This annual observation encourages everyone to enjoy and celebrate blueberries in various forms.

For more information and recipes, visit the National American Blueberry Council's website at https://blueberry.org/ and join the community in celebrating this berry good month.

MAKE IT YOURSELF

A simple and delicious recipe involving blueberries is Blueberries and Cream. Best part, you can make this recipe any time of the year. Make sure to visit our local U-Pick farms in Baldwin around mid-June to stock up for the year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup of milk, half and half or cream
• 1/2-1 tablespoons of sugar

Tip: Sugar is optional. Feel free to use any sweetener of your choice or leave it out completely.

Instructions:

1. If fresh, make sure your berries are washed. Frozen berries should already be clean prior to freezing.
2. Place berries in bowl.
3. Cover with your choice of ‘cream.’
4. Sprinkle with sugar if desired.
5. Mix gently to mix the berries and
   dissolve the sugar.
6. Enjoy.

Tip: Using frozen berries makes a fun and easy ice cream equivalent.