Blueberries
Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamins C and K, manganese, copper and fiber. Blueberry preserves are just as appropriate in savory applications as they are in sweet dishes.
Blueberries make an excellent accompaniment to duck or game hen when cooked down into a sauce with balsamic vinegar and woodsy herbs. A mixture of wild rice, Blueberry jam and mirepoix may be used in a stuffing for pork loin or poultry. It sweetness balances well with a spicy barbecue sauce for ribs, a tangy glaze for ham or in a fruity compote over a wheel or baked brie cheese. It can also complement a green salad vinaigrette , especially in those containing peaches, watermelon, nuts and fresh cheeses. Other complimentary flavors include, cinnamon, ginger, honey, maple syrup, nuts, oats, chocolate, lavender, thyme, rosemary and mascarpone.
BLACKBERRIES
Blueberries grow on low creeping shrubs or tall erect bushes, depending upon variety. The small round berries can range in size from 5-16 millimeters in diameter. They first appear green, but ripen into a deep shade of dusty blue. The soft, hazy white coating that develops on the skins' surface, which is known as the bloom, is a natural waterproofing which helps protect the berries from the sun and other natural elements. Blueberries have a sweet and woodsy flavor with an acidity that can vary depending upon growing conditions. Long sunny days and warm temperatures develop a higher sugar content, while cooler temperatures and shorter days with limited sunlight increase acidity. After harvest some plants lose their leaves while other varieties retain their foliage year-round, becoming a colorful mix bronze, red and purple in the autumn.