Blueberry Basics
LISA GRENTZ, MS, RDN, CD/LDN, FAND
Blueberries are one of summertime’s most popular fruits with peak blueberry season April to September. When selecting blueberries, choose blueberries that are firm, dry, plump, and have a dusty purple-blue skin. Blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep fresh for up to 10 days. Rinsing can soften blueberries and cause them to spoil more quickly thus, it is best to wait and wash the berries until right before you’re ready to enjoy them.
To freeze blueberries, first sort and rinse the berries then allow them to air dry. Spread blueberries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Did you know that blueberries can freeze in a little as 4 minutes? Once frozen, package the frozen berries in freezer containers or freezer bags, label, and date. Blueberries can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
For a fun summertime treat, try making chocolate covered blueberries. This recipe only calls for 3 ingredients and is super simple to make. The combination of sweet juicy blueberries coated in dark chocolate makes for an irresistible snack or dessert.
Chocolate Covered Blueberries
3.5-ounce 70% cacao dark chocolate bar or dark chocolate chips
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Wash and dry the blueberries. Set aside the blueberries to allow them to completely dry before using.
If using a chocolate bar, break the bar into pieces. Place the chocolate pieces, or chips, and coconut oil in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 60 seconds then stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals until the chocolate has melted.
Stir the blueberries into the chocolate until all of the berries are coated. Using a spoon, remove the berries and place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Note: I like to separate the berries and place each individual chocolate covered blueberry on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet, but you can also spoon small clusters of blueberries onto the baking sheet if preferred.
Place the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Store chocolate covered blueberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.