One More Round of Berries

No one grieves over the end of strawberry season, and do you know why? Because blueberry season follows so closely on its tail!

I don't know how it is where you live, but here in Central Indiana at my berry farm of choice, this time of year you can pick your own berries for $1.65 a pound, making the batch of berries shown above cost in the neighborhood of $10.

And, getting them fresh from the farmer's market or berry farm is almost as convenient as buying them at the grocery store, because blueberries are some of the easiest berries to clean and freeze. Blueberries can be frozen from fresh by arranging them on a cookie sheet and putting it in the freezer. When the berries are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for longer-term storage. Blueberries also keep well in the refrigerator, though, so if you're planning to eat them within 10 days, don't even bother with freezing them.

Like a few ideas for ways to use those fresh, sweet, juicy berries--besides eating them almost as fast as you pick them? This list comes from a handout offered free of charge at the checkout of my local berry farm. Enjoy!

*Sprinkle in a tossed green or spinach salad

*Create a blueberry vinaigrette salad dressing

*Serve in melon halves

*Alternate layers of blueberries with vanilla pudding to make a parfait

*Serve in a bowl of fresh whipped cream

*Drop in sparkling water for a refreshing alternative to soft drinks

*Make blueberry nut bread

*Stuff French toast with blueberries

*Serve with cottage cheese

*Make blueberry tarts

Happy purple fingers, everyone!