Blueberries are back

July 21, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

McClatchy Newspapers

A lot of blueberries are now available for shoppers, and there are a lot of varieties to try.

Since they’re now widespread at farmers markets, you can ask different stands which ones they’re harvesting.

For tart, firm berries, go for the early-season Emeralds, says Manuel Jimenez, a University of California Cooperative Extension farm adviser in Tulare County, Calif. A softer and sweeter option is the Jewel. The Reveille has lots of sweetness, while Southmoons have “the best flavor and sweetness combination,” he says.

Enjoying all of these varieties depends on selecting good ones. Look for full, rounded berries covered with the white, powdery coating called bloom. Avoid shriveled and leaky berries.

At home, store them in the refrigerator, and do not wash them until just before using. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for five to seven days, or you can place them in sealed plastic bags in the freezer.

“If you’re going to freeze berries, don’t wash them before freezing,” says Kingsburg, Calif., blueberry farmer Gayle Willems. If wet, the berries will stick together and get icy. They will keep in the freezer for up to a year, but like all other frozen foods, it’s best to eat them within a few months.

Blueberries are known for their high levels of antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage. “Ounce for ounce, blueberries provide more antioxidants than any other fresh fruit or vegetable,” Dana Jacobi writes in her “12 Best Foods Cookbook.”

To get the most health benefits from blueberries, eat them plain and uncooked. “Heat diminishes the benefits of the phytonutrients they contain,” Jacobi writes.

For those compelled to tinker in the kitchen, the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries work well in sweet and savory dishes. A classic combination is blueberries, lemon and mascarpone cheese, which makes an easy topping for cookies. On the less sweet side, blueberries add a fruity punch to corn bread. And with thyme, shallots, and lemon juice, these little berries are a great sauce for meats.