It’s Blueberry Season!
It’s that time of year again…blueberry season!! If you’re like me, you love fresh local blueberries. Whether you pick them yourself or buy them locally on the side of the road or at a market, the taste of freshly picked blueberries can’t be beat.
Blueberries are very nutritious and have many health benefits; they are rich in dietary antioxidants and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are high in fiber and may contribute to heart health as they are known to reduce blood cholesterol levels. To have the availability and ability to pick this nutritious food, literally in our backyard, is amazing.
Blueberries are a food that can be used in many recipes. Blueberries are delicious added to pancakes, muffins, smoothies, cereal, sauces and many other ways. Surprisingly, they are great in other, more non-traditional dishes as well. Their fresh, natural flavour enhances the taste of meats such as pork, chicken and game, and chefs often combine them with other fruits or berries to make the finest desserts.
Below is a great blueberry recipe that you can try with the fresh blueberries you just picked!
Blueberry Breakfast Parfait Pops
Ingredients
For 4 Frozen Parfait Pops
Greek Yogurt (vanilla or blueberry)
- 4 Blueberry Breakfast Biscuits, crushed (or you can use any granola)
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
Fold blueberries into yogurt. Layer 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1 teaspoon breakfast biscuits/granola, another 2 tablespoons yogurt, 1 teaspoon breakfast biscuits/granola, and 2 more tablespoons yogurt in frozen pop mold. (Adjust according to the size of your mold.) Sprinkle additional crushed biscuits on top and press in slightly to adhere. Freeze for at least four hours before removing and enjoying.
**You can use a combination of yogurts for the different layers if you wish
Information retrieved from: http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/agr/A15-11509-2011-eng.pdf
Recipe adapted from: http://www.momontimeout.com/2014/06/blueberry-breakfast-parfait-pops/
Janel Genge is a registered dietitian with Kids Eat Smart Foundation Newfoundland and Labrador