Healthy Blueberries Ready to Pick

It's blueberry season, and blueberries are good for your health.

Crown Jewel Farms U-Pick season opened April 1 for blueberries. We are fortunate to be able to get certified organic produce this good in our back yard. Their address is 106 Egg Farm Road in Lake Wales. Their phone number is 863-528-2402. Their website is https://crownjewelorganic.com/

Right now they also have cabbage, cucumbers, and kale. Egg Farm Road is on the west side of Scenic Highway between Mountain Lake and Lake of the Hills. If they don't run out, they also have already picked blueberries.

If you aren't in Lake Wales, go to https://pickyourown.farm/farms/lake-wales-fl-rf14298/blueberries-prod3720/ and you can find many other farms nearby.

Healthline.com lists 10 proven benefits of blueberries:

• Blueberries Are Low in Calories But High in Nutrients. ...

• Blueberries are the King of Antioxidant Foods. ...

• Blueberries Reduce DNA Damage, Which May Help Protect Against Aging and Cancer. ...

• Blueberries Protect Cholesterol in Your Blood From Becoming Damaged. ...

• Blueberries May Lower Blood Pressure

• Blueberries May Help Prevent Heart Disease

• Blueberries Can Help Maintain Brain Function and Improve Memory

• Anthocyanins in Blueberries May Have Anti-Diabetes Effects

• May Help Fight Urinary Tract Infections

• Blueberries May Reduce Muscle Damage After Strenuous Exercise

To read the whole article, go to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-blueberries#section1

Organicfacts.net has 20 Evidence-Based Health Benefits Of Blueberries.

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-blueberries.html

"Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients which have powerful health benefits. These include the ability to reduce DNA damage, prevent aging, control cholesterol levels, and may prevent cancer. They also help strengthen bones, reduce acne, lower blood pressure, control diabetes, and improve heart health. Considered a superfood, they can also help improve brain health, promote weight loss, and soothe inflammation."

This site also includes the few possible side effects:

• Blood-thinning: People taking blood-thinning medication (warfarin) or suffering from blood disorders (hemophilia) should avoid blueberries. The vitamin K content may interfere with the blood thinning and result in blood-clot.

• Allergy: They may cause food allergy like itching, swelling or difficulty in breathing.

• Blood sugar control: They may lower blood glucose levels, especially for diabetics.

Blueberries freeze beautifully so get some now at their peak of ripeness and enjoy them all year.

Blueberry Pancakes

Whisk together in a large bowl:

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Separate 2 eggs

Beat egg whites to soft peaks

Combine in another bowl:

2 cups buttermilk*

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

Egg yolks

Mix the liquid into the dry ingredients.

Fold egg whites gently into the batter.

Heat a skillet to 325 degrees or medium heat.

Oil skillet with bacon grease, butter, or a spritz of vegetable oil.

Use 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Add 5 blueberries or to taste to pancakes as you make them, .

When the bottom of the pancake has browned, turn it over and cook until the second side is done.

Serve with butter and maple syrup or local honey.** If you haven't been, I recommend a trip east on Highway 60 to Struthers Honey, 8024 Rose Terrace or 8023 Eucalyptus Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898.

* For each cup of buttermilk, you can use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand for 5 minutes.

** Children under 1 and people with compromised immune systems should avoid raw honey.