Shake up your drinks with blueberries
Who knows when the first blueberry found its way into a jigger of gin or a vodka martini?
Today more and more of these bright blue berries are finding their way into mixed drinks throughout the year. Fresh or frozen, whole or juiced, the sweet-tart taste of blueberries is unique and the infusion of blue is not only colourful, but good for you as well.
Not to worry if you don’t have fresh berries. The latest research says frozen berries might even have the edge over fresh when it comes to health benefits. Freezing blueberries makes their powerful antioxidants more available to the human body.
This is because anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that make blueberries blue, are found in the skin of the berry. Freezing the berries creates tiny ice crystals that disrupt the structure of the cells, which in turn makes it easier for our system to access the anthocyanins contained within the skin.
B.C. is the major grower of highbush blueberries in the country and most of the berries in the frozen foods section of your grocery store are from B.C. To be sure, look for the words “B.C. Grown,” “Packaged in B.C.” or “Packaged in Canada” on the container.
The Western Family label of frozen blueberries is available at Save On Foods, Price Smart Foods or Urban Fare. Other frozen berries (with “Product of Canada” on the label) can be found at Loblaws (Real Canadian Superstore, Extra Foods, TNT, Independent) and Sobeys (Safeway, Thrifty, IGA).
With over 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council has a strong commitment to on-farm food safety. The Council works diligently with blueberry growers and collaborates with packers and processors to ensure that B.C. blueberries meet the highest standards for food safety and quality.
Make these delicious blueberry-inspired cocktails:
Myrtille Julep
Purple Rain
Bitter Berry Babble
Cuban Blues (including a zero-proof version)
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY:
BC Blueberry Council
BCBlueberry.com
