Blueberries can be sweet, tart and in between. They are champions of nutrition and flavor, yet very low in calories. Blueberries are at their best from May through October when they are in season. Blueberries are flowering bushes that are mainly native to North America. However, many North American native types of blueberries are now commercially grown in Australia, New Zealand and South American countries. In the United States, Maine produces 25% of all lowbush blueberries in North America. Canada is also a growing source of blueberries. Canadian blueberries in recent years have been the largest fruit crop produced nationally, making up more than half of all Canadian fruit acreage.
Blueberries were one of the most important native crops in Colonial America. The colonists learned from Native Americans how to gather and dry them under the summer's sun, and store them for the winter. As time went by, blueberries became more and more important to early Americans and were preserved, and later canned. A beverage made with blueberries was an important staple for Civil War Soldiers.
Availability. Fresh blueberries are available for purchase year-round in many North American stores. However, the period of greatest availability, and lowest price, is during the North American growing season.
Blueberry production in North America typically starts in mid-May and ends in September. Some fruit is held over in controlled-atmosphere storage in Oregon, Washington, and Canada. As a result, blueberries reach annual peak prices in mid-April. Lowest prices are typically found in late summer in North America. Various types of blueberry concentrates can be purchased and used as dietary supplements, food and beverage additives, and by other means. Blueberries are also available as puree, juice, or dried or infused berries which in turn may be used in a variety of goods such as jellies, jams, pies, muffins, snack foods, and cereals. Many people can affordably enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of blueberries all year round.
Price. The price of blueberries is directly related to supply and demand. Fresh blueberry prices were above $2 per pound in 2007 and 2008. They have been as low as one dollar a pound in 2009, due to an abundant supply. Improved production technologies have contributed to the fresh blueberry supply, allowing blueberry farmers to nearly double production, from about 3,000 pounds per acre to nearly 6,000 pounds per acre in recent years. Blueberries can also be canned and frozen, and most grocery stores stock them in those forms. In a recent survey, the average retail price per pound, or pint, of fresh strawberries was $1.52. In that same survey, canned blueberries were $2.03 a pound, and frozen blueberries were $2.73 a pound. However, canned blueberries only provided about half the number of servings per pound as fresh or frozen berries. Thus, at 1/2 cup per serving, fresh blueberries cost $.25 per serving; frozen blueberries cost $.46 per serving, and canned blueberries were $.69 per serving. These are bargain prices for a nutritionally perfect and delicious food.
Effectiveness as a healthy food. Blueberries In a are full of antioxidants, which dispose of free radicals, enemies of good health. Studies show that a blueberry-rich diet improves memory and motor skills and slows age-related declines in balance and coordination. Blueberries contain components that affect the contraction of the arteries, and therefore have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage delicate blood vessels in the brain and can lead to strokes.Researchers at the USDA Human Nutrition Center have found that blueberries rank #1 in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products of metabolism called "free radicals" that can lead to cancer and other age related diseases. Anthocyanin -- the pigment that makes the blueberries blue -- is thought to be responsible for this major health benefit. 75 grams of blueberries supply just 39 calories so makes a guilt-free indulgence for anyone concerned about weight-loss. Add a squeeze of orange juice and serve with berry yogurt or low-fat ice-cream and you have the ideal light dessert, low in calories and light on fat - not to mention delicious!
Finally, blueberries are nutritious! Half a cup of fresh blueberries supplies: Trace of protein, trace of fat, 8.3g carbohydrates, 7.7g sugars, less than 1g starch, 1.5g dietary fiber and 39 calories.
Eating blueberries is one of the best and most affordable ways to maintain good health. It is especially good for those who are at risk for declining brain health or memory loss. Aging persons should consider making blueberries a regular part of their diet.
Robert A. McCluskey
Bob McCluskey is a semi retired teacher and school administrator. He has recently been teaching college-level psychology classes and has developed a course in the psychology of aging. Bob teaches courses specifically designed for senior citizens and is especially interested in the mental health of aging, With an emphasis on the preservation and enhancement of memory.
If you would like to learn more about this topic visit our web site: Senior Technology News!
Going Strong Seniors is your premier source for Internet resources!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_McCluskey
No comments:
Post a Comment