National Blueberry Month

Yummy! July marks National Blueberry Month!

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National Blueberry Month was designated in 2003 by the United States Department of Agriculture. 

As you can see from the official Proclamation of the month-long celebration, blueberries are found in many States, and have produced (no pun intended) a significant industry. Blueberries are in such high-demand there's even a North American Blueberry Council! I mean, who can blame them? Blueberries are one of my favourite fruits. I have many memories both from my childhood, and early adult years picking blueberries (although not in the U.S.). There's just something so satisfying about it all! But, what makes blueberries so great? Well...

• The are native to North America, but now grow in many areas globally.
• They are loaded full of antioxidants, and other important nutrients.
• They are believed to have tremendous positive impacts on both the nervous system and overall brain health (including memory retention).
• They are one of the best foods for diabetics, due to their naturally occurring levels of low sugar.
• They are good for eyesight.
• They are one of the foods that are naturally blue (hence the name blue-berry!).
• They are one of only a few foods that do not need to be prepared, peeled, pitted, or hulled.
• They are the official berry of Nova Scotia, Canada (my home province!!).
• They are good in muffins, pancakes, salads, jam, and on their own!

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What other reasons do you actually need? I mean just look at how beautiful they are!

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So, eat up, folks! Mash as many of these delightful little fruits into your mouth while you can! It's blueberry time! 

Information for this post was found using the following sites: http://www.nabcblues.org/, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8, http://www.2020site.org/fun-facts/Blueberry-Fun-Facts.html, http://www.freshforkids.com.au/fruit_pages/blueberry/blueberry.html