Blueberries are one of the few fruits that are native to North America. A glimpse into the past shows that people have been drying blueberries for many years. However, the popularity of eating dried blueberries as a healthy snack and including them in a healthy eating lifestyle is a relatively recent occurrence. From a statistical perspective, blueberries rank second behind strawberries in popularity. Among the extensive varieties of fruits, vegetables and spices available, blueberries are given credit for having one of the highest rankings for antioxidants. Antioxidants play a vital role in the fight against aging, cancer and heart disease. The antioxidants in blueberries provide benefits to the nervous system and help support brain health. In fact, some studies show that the antioxidants in blueberries can aid in improving memory function and slow down the onset of cognitive problems that are typically associated with aging. While fresh blueberries are only available for a short period of time, you can buy dried blueberries online year round. Studies show that dried blueberries have as much antioxidant benefit as fresh blueberries.
Because dry blueberries are cholesterol free, fat free and low calorie, they’re an ideal snack food or recipe ingredient. A frugal way to incorporate dried blueberries into a healthy eating plan is to find dried blueberries for sale and buy dried blueberries bulk quantities. Dried blueberries have a long shelf life when stored in the pantry in an air tight container. Dehydrated blueberries can elevate the nutritional value of your breakfast when they are added to cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. If you purchase bulk amounts of nuts and other items to make your own trail mixes, granola or homemade breakfast bars, you’ll want to add dried blueberries bulk purchases to your shopping list. You can make ice cream a healthier snack for the kids by adding dehydrated blueberries to their favorite flavor. Dried blueberry can enhance the flavor and increase the nutritional value of salads, main dishes and desserts. Dried blueberries are often used in breads, cookies and other baked items.
There are numerous varieties of blueberries. These varieties ripen at different times. The area where the blueberries are growing also plays a role in determining when they’re ready to pick. There is a short window of time for picking blueberries at their prime. If you pick blueberries to enjoy fresh or for the purpose of drying blueberries for future use, there are a few tips you need to know. Blueberries should be picked when they’re a light blue-gray color and plump. Blueberries in a white or green color will not ripen after they’re picked. However, purple, reddish colored berries will ripen after picking if they’re left at room temperature. The recommended way for picking berries is to place a bucket under the cluster of berries and gently roll your fingers across the berries. The ripe ones will fall into the bucket.
If you want to dry blueberry, you’ll need to blanch them in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds to crack the outer skin so that air can penetrate the berry. Drain the berries, pat dry with a paper towel and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the berries in a preheated 140 degree electric oven and leave the door ajar. The drying time is about 4 hours. During this time you’ll need to stir the berries every half hour. If this sounds like a more time consuming project than you want to get involved with, an easier way to have this healthy dried fruit in your pantry at all times is to buy bulk dried blueberries from an online source.
Dehydrated blueberries are a good source of fiber. Fiber is essential for good digestive health. Dried blueberries are a good source of Vitamins A and E. Dried blueberries are also a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C aids in bone growth and tissue repair. It’s also beneficial in healing wounds. Dried blueberries are a good source of anthocyanins which help fight free radicals and improve cardiovascular health. They are also a good source of Vitamin K which helps your body use calcium to build strong bones. Dried blueberries are a good source of potassium, magnesium, manganese, niacin and iron.
