April 28th is National Blueberry Pie Day!
Did you know...
Blueberries are ranked #1 in antioxidant health benefits in comparison with over 40 fruits and vegetables.
Blueberries are one of the only foods that are naturally blue in color. The pigment that gives them their distinctive color, called anthocyanin, is the same compound that provide's the berries health benefits.
Blueberries are one of the only commercially available fruits that are native to North America.
Blueberries were called "star fruits" by North American indigenous people because of teh five-pointed shape that is formed at the blossom of the berry.
A single blueberry bush can produce as many as 6,000 blueberries per year.
The silvery sheen found on the skin of blueberries helps protect the fruit. You should only wash them right before consuming them. They should be stored in the refridgerator to be kept fresh for up to ten days.
Using fresh blueberries, try out this popular recipe for Blueberry Pie!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 Cup White Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 4 Cups Fresh Bluberries
- Pastry for a 9 inch double pie crust (or store bought pastry and pie crust)
- 1 Tbsp Butter
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Sprinkle mixture over berries.
- Line pie dish with one crust. Pour berry mixture into crust and dot with butter. Cut remaining pastry into 1/2-3/4 inch wide strips and make lattice top. Crimp edges.
- Bake on lower shelf of oven for 50 mintues, or until crust is golden brown.
Enjoy!
