Blueberry. Simple Tips, How-To s and Usage Ideas

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Penelope Richards
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: Blueberry 101 Simple Tips, How-To s and Usage Ideas With increased emphasis

need are tasty, nutritious items kids will love.

impact on your students interest in eating more foods that meet school

Though for such a small little fruit, there sure is a lot to know about

From rinsing to freezing, flavor combos and usage ideas, we ve got everything

FrESH Blueberries FrozeN Blueberries When buying fresh blueberries, look for

stuff locked in: nutrients, freshness and flavor.

If you want to freeze your fresh blueberries: o o Rinse in cool water,

You can also freeze unwashed blueberries, then rinse in cool water before use.

Please reference the Playbook s Maximize Procurement resource for more

1 : Blueberry 101 Simple Tips, How-To s and Usage Ideas With increased emphasis on healthful options and a lot of little mouths to feed each day, what schools need are tasty, nutritious items kids will love. A little change like adding more blueberries to your menus can have a big impact on your students interest in eating more foods that meet school nutrition standards. Though for such a small little fruit, there sure is a lot to know about blueberries! From rinsing to freezing, flavor combos and usage ideas, we ve got everything you need to know about these little blue dynamos right here. FrESH Blueberries FrozeN Blueberries When buying fresh blueberries, look for berries that are firm, dry, plump and smooth-skinned, with a silvery surface bloom and no leaves or stems. Size isn t an indicator of maturity but color is berries should be deep purple-blue to blue-black. Versatile and easy-to-use, frozen blueberries should be a freezer staple for your school. Frozen straight from the farm at the peak of freshness, with all the good stuff locked in: nutrients, freshness and flavor. Fresh Tips: Frozen Tips: In a covered container, store fresh blueberries in a refrigerator for up to 10 days. Rinse blueberries in cool water immediately before serving. If you want to freeze your fresh blueberries: o o Rinse in cool water, completely dry, then freeze. Store up to 10 months. You can also freeze unwashed blueberries, then rinse in cool water before use. Sourcing: Consider local blueberry growers through your Farm to School program. Please reference the Playbook s Maximize Procurement resource for more information on sourcing local blueberries. In an airtight container, store frozen blueberries in the freezer for up to 10 months. USDA blueberries have been individually quick frozen (IQF) so you can use smaller portions without compromising the whole batch. If you don t use the whole bag of blueberries, return the rest to the freezer promptly. When thawing frozen blueberries, cover, refrigerate and use within 10 days. Sourcing: USDA Foods offers frozen highbush blueberries in two pack sizes: 30-pound cases (USDA #110624) and twelve 2.5-pound packages (USDA #110623).

2 USDA Food Buying Guide Fresh Blueberries Whole, Includes USDA Foods Pint (14-1/4 oz) /4 cup raw fruit pt AP = 0.87 lb (about 2-2/3 cups) ready-to-serve raw blueberries Whole, Includes USDA Foods Pound /4 cup raw fruit lb AP = 0.96 lb ready-to-serve raw blueberries

3 USDA Food Buying Guide Frozen Blueberries Unsweetened, Whole, Individually quick-frozen, includes USDA Foods Pound /4 cup thawed, unsweetened fruit lb AP = 0.91 lb (about 2-7/8 cups) ready-to-serve blueberries

Fresh & Frozen Tips in the Kitchen Blueberries are one of the easiest

blueberries in your baked goods, add them to the batter while still frozen.

Smoothies Your smoothie will turn grey if there is a lot of dairy, causing

Add a splash of lemon juice or another acid for a vibrant purple smoothie.

Quick to thaw, simply set your blueberries out an hour or so before serving

4 Fresh & Frozen Tips in the Kitchen Blueberries are one of the easiest ingredients to work with, since they require no chopping, pitting or peeling. Here are a few easy tips to get you started: Baking If you re using frozen blueberries in your baked goods, add them to the batter while still frozen. This will prevent color leeching and streaking the batter. Smoothies Your smoothie will turn grey if there is a lot of dairy, causing an alkaline environment. Add a splash of lemon juice or another acid for a vibrant purple smoothie. Salads Frozen blueberries can work on your salad bars yearround. Quick to thaw, simply set your blueberries out an hour or so before serving and they ll be ready to eat. Parfaits Blueberry yogurt parfaits are a great breakfast item to prep ahead. Layer your blueberries and yogurt up to 24 hours prior, then save granola for a last-minute topping to maintain its crunchiness.

Usage Ideas for Blueberries When it comes to

deliciousness to explore with little blue

Blueberries enhance just about any dish with

s little blue dynamos a part of your school

Build Your Own Bars: Share blueberries as an

Salad Bar Cereal Bar Blueberry Fruit Kebobs

Grain Blueberry Muffins Blueberry Overnight

5 Usage Ideas for Blueberries When it comes to flavor pairings, there is a whole world of deliciousness to explore with little blue dynamos. Blueberries enhance just about any dish with fun, flavor, color and sweetness that your students will love. Here are a number of usage ideas to make nature s little blue dynamos a part of your school nutrition program. Build Your Own Bars: Share blueberries as an ingredient or topping for students to experiment as they please! Oatmeal Bar Yogurt Parfait Bar Smoothie Bar Salad Bar Cereal Bar Blueberry Fruit Kebobs with Yogurt Dip Warm Blueberry Crisp Whole Grain Blueberry Muffins Blueberry Overnight Oats Savory BBQ Dipping Sauce Blueberry Pizza Fruity or Savory Or simply serve them in small snack packs for a refreshing treat the kids will love! For more school-friendly blueberry recipes and inspiration, visit.

Menu Planning: Healthy Summer Meals

Menu Planning: Healthy Summer Meals The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was established to make sure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. SFSP can help children