FUEL: June 28, 2013

Blueberries: A Superfood!

The blueberry has been touted as a super food, an antioxidant powerhouse and a disease fighter. According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, in addition to being low-calorie and high in dietary fiber, blueberries are rich in vitamin C and phytonutrients beneficial for cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, as well as vision, brain and digestive health.  

This very healthy little berry also happens to be  the official state fruit of our home state, New Jersey, which is a top grower of blueberries in the country, and the number one state in farm market sales.

If you love blueberries, try not to shop for them in the retail stores where blueberries are sold before they fully ripen. Instead take a trip to a nearby pick your own blueberry farm. Blueberry picking is a fun family activity and a great way to get fully ripened, tasty, and healthy blueberries.

While most of the best blueberry picking farms are located in southern NJ in the Pine Barrens region, there are a few farms in Hunterdon County that offer this such as Phillips Farms located at 290 Church Road, Milford, NJ. Phone: (908) 995-0022.

Other farms throughout NJ – and the “pickings” they offer – can be found at PickYourOwn.org. Be sure to call ahead to verify availability.  Happy Pickin’!