The signs of summer are all around us – the heat of sunshine on our skin, the smell of BBQ on the grill, the sounds of fun being had by all – and the month of July gives us so many reasons to celebrate. In addition to the founding of our great nation, there is another, rather delicious, observance in July – National Blueberry Month! Join us as we dive into the history of the popular fruit, explore some of its benefits, and share a few of our favorite honey + blueberry recipes.
A native to North America, blueberries have been on the land for over 13,000 years. According to our friends at blueberry.org, Native Americans were among the first to recognize the benefits of the little blue bulbs, using them for both medicinal purposes and flavoring. While the plant originally grew wildly, the crop was cultivated for commercial production by Elizabeth White and USDA botanist Frederick Coville, producing its first harvest in 19161. Today blueberries grow all over the U.S., but only 26 states produce them commercially, the top 10 producers include:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Georgia
- Michigan
- California
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Florida
- Texas
- Minnesota2
In 2024, we celebrate 50 years of National Blueberry Month, which was established by the USDA in 1974. According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, “National Blueberry Month has offered us an opportunity to pause and enjoy the simple, delicious and nutritious goodness in every boost of blue.” Speaking of “nutritious goodness,” let’s look at the power packed in these little blue bulbs.
Each cup of blueberries is bursting with essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin C (15% of DV)
- Vitamin K (25% of DV)
- Manganese (20% of DV)
- Potassium (2% of DV)
- Iron (2% of DV)
All this at only 80 calories, and this serving is also low on sodium and fat. In addition to the nutrients listed above, blueberries are also a good source of fiber, offering 14% of your daily value in each cup. It is because of this fiber content that blueberries were certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association in 20193.
So how do we get this burst of blue? Well honey bees lend a helping hand (or more like six legs). According to our friends at the Blueberry Council, “[W]hile many blueberry varieties today are either self-fertile or semi-self-fertile, getting an assist from the local bee population helps your bushes yield more fruit.”4 And while honey bees are helping to pollinate the many blueberry bushes around the country, they make one of the most delicious honey varietals!
Blueberry honey is as unique as the fruit it’s derived from. With an aroma reminiscent of green leaves with a touch of lemon, this varietal is moderately fruity in flavor with a delicate, slightly buttery finish. Found in a light to medium color, blueberry honey pairs well with yogurt, walnuts, melons, sour cream, and crème fraiche.
Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t share some of our favorite honey and blueberry recipes. Between honey’s natural energy boost and the fiber and nutrients provided by both honey and blueberries, these two are a definite power pair. Below we are sharing six recipes that not only showcase the delicious pairing of flavors, but the versatility both ingredients have across all meal times.
We want to hear from you! What is YOUR favorite honey + blueberry dish? Tell us in the comments below!
SOURCES:
1 Celebrating National Blueberry Month - Blueberry.org. (2023, September 8). Blueberry.org. https://blueberry.org/about-blueberries/national-blueberry-month/
2 Where blueberries grow - blueberry.org. (2021, September 15). Blueberry.org. https://blueberry.org/about-blueberries/where-blueberries-grow/
3 Blueberries and heart health - blueberry.org. (2023, January 31). Blueberry.org. https://blueberry.org/health-benefits/blueberries-and-heart-health/
4 How blueberries grow - Blueberry.org. (2023, February 17). Blueberry.org. https://blueberry.org/about-blueberries/how-blueberries-grow/
