Spice of Life: Blueberries meant to be enjoyed
Last Modified: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 6:19 PM
By Eric Cormier / American Press
Walking through Kroger grocery store on Twelfth Street, I found myself gazing at bunches of individually packaged blueberries stacked inside a cooler situated in the produce section.
Nestled between strawberries and blackberries, the rabbiteye blueberries — the fruit’s official market name — seemed so innocent and pretty.
Even though I am not a hardcore dessert lover, my mind drifted to thoughts of blueberry cheesecake and blueberry muffins.
That blueberry moment was bolstered later as I surfed the Web. A writer on a Louisiana food site featured blueberries along with recipes.
With all of those hints, it became obvious that blueberries would be the topic for this week’s column.
What many people may not know is that the deep blue, almost purple fruit that is small in size happens to be a powerhouse on the food chain.
“Blueberries are nature’s number 1 source of antioxidants among more than 50 fresh fruits and vegetables studied,” states a news release from the LSU AgCenter.
They are known to provide lots of fiber and Vitamin C and are also supposed to improve vision, improve blood flow, and lower cholesterol.
Blueberries are raised in Louisiana.
In the southern section of the state, blueberries are at their peak from May until June. North Louisiana is the focal point for blueberry picking from June until the middle part of July.
I believe that through age, certain foods take on different meanings to us. Blueberries are a good example of that notion.
For instance, as a child, we approach the blueberry from a messy point of view. It is an oddity. We do not even know it is a fruit yet. But infant minds understand that grabbing a bunch and shoving them inside our mouths will lead to a tonge and tooth color change that is cool and funny.
Upon entering adulthood, the blueberry’s role is more subtle. Even if a person is not health conscious, they know sprinkling a few blueberries on waffles or even a fruit salad before surprising a loved one with breakfast can lead to a special moment.
Actor Alec Baldwin once said, “I was in love when I was married to Kim Basinger, I’m not ashamed to say. I used to wake up in the morning and just look at her and say ‘What do you want for breakfast, baby? Special K with blueberries? Let me go get some.”
It must be commented on that eating a blueberry is an exercise in determining what it really tastes like. It is kind of sweet. Then again, it is kind of tart. A good blueberry, when cold, will tap dance all over your palate, making you wonder if there is more.
There is a possibility that less is actually more when a blueberry is in a bowl.
I bought a blender recently. The plan is to make smoothies. So far, peaches and strawberries, mixed with orange juice and yogurt have been the extent of my smoothie adventures.
After seeing those blueberries in the store, I plan on tossing some in eventually. What I may not get in full-blast taste will be accounted for with lots of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants.
This actually may be the third installment of a personal food growth process.
Remember, eating blueberries starts out as something fun in childhood. Gradually, we learn that the fruit is something wonderful to share, especially when filled with love and trying to impress a suitor or mate.
Last, the time comes when health and good food sense kicks into action.
Then again, the blueberry is cute and delicate. Maybe it is best to toss out all the deep contemplation and simply enjoy the fruit.
Grab a handful, chew on them a little bit and smile big!
Eric Cormier writes about food every Wednesday. Contact him at ecormier@americanpress.com or 494-4090.
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