Vacinnium is the family of all blueberries and includes more than 450 plants. This plant grows wild around the world, and there are many names given to different blueberries.
Blueberries were called “star fruits” by North American indigenous peoples because of the five-pointed star shape that is formed at the blossom end of the berry.
Botanists estimate that blueberries have been around for more than 13,000 years. Local natives introduced the Pilgrims to the delicious berry, which helped them survive those first harsh winters in America.
A single blueberry bush can produce as many as 6,000 blueberries per year. British Columbia is the largest highbush blueberry growing region in the world. A cup of blueberries is only 81 calories.
Blueberries are a superfood. They are packed with so many vitamins and healthy nutrients.
July 8 is National Blueberry Day
A single blueberry bush can produce as many as 6,000 blueberries per year.
Maine Blueberry Crumb Bars
serves 18
Ingredients
•1 lemon
•4 cup fresh blueberries
•2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
•3/4 cup granulated sugar
•1 tsp ground cinnamon
•2 tsp vanilla extract
•1/4 cup brown sugar
•1/4 white sugar
•2 tbsp cornstarch
•1 cup (2 sticks) butter, cut up and cold
•1/2 tsp salt
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 13”x9” baking pan with foil; grease foil. Grate 1 teaspoon zest and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice from the lemon.
Step 2
Using a food processor, pulse flour, granulated sugars, cinnamon, grated lemon zest, and salt until combined. Add butter and vanilla. Pulse just until dough resembles crumbs. Note: If you don’t have a food processor, mix well with a fork. Transfer half of the dough to prepared pan. Place the remaining dough in refrigerator. Firmly press dough in pan into even layer. Bake 15 minutes.
Step 3
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss blueberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread berry mixture over crust. Firmly squeeze chilled dough into small clumps and scatter all over berries. Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour or until topping is golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into squares. Bars can be made ahead, wrapped in plastic and refrigerated up to 1 day.