Blueberry season has arrived! I am one of the lucky acupuncturists who practices at Blueberry Gardens in Ashton, Maryland. This is a serene and healing environment and is extra special when the blueberries are ready for harvest. Along with having a lovely healing center and yoga studio, Blueberry Gardens is a 3 acre you-pick blueberry farm and charges only $4 a pint for organic blueberries. You can check out the Blueberry Gardens website to find out what days the fields are open for picking. I hope you are all able to make it out over the next couple of weeks and stock up!
Blueberry Fields at Blueberry Gardens
Blueberries are not only one of the most delicious fruits, but they are also highly nutritious. They are a very rich in antioxidants, which are important for protecting cells and DNA from free radical damage to help prevent cancer and premature aging. Blueberries are a great source of vitamin K, manganese, vitamin C, fiber and copper. There are also studies that show regular blueberry consumption can provide cardiovascular, cognitive, eye, and blood sugar regulation benefits as well (Benefits of Blueberries)
From a Chinese medicine prospective, blueberries help to nourish the kidney yin of the body. Possible symptoms of kidney yin deficiency include dizziness, ringing in the ears, dry throat and mouth, feeling hot, lower back pain, weak legs, spontaneous sweating, as well as agitation, irritation, nervousness, insecurity and fear. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, blueberries can also be a powerful medicine, along with other yin nourishing foods as part of a whole foods diet. Consult with your Chinese medicine practitioner about the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
From a Chinese medicine prospective, blueberries help to nourish the kidney yin of the body. Possible symptoms of kidney yin deficiency include dizziness, ringing in the ears, dry throat and mouth, feeling hot, lower back pain, weak legs, spontaneous sweating, as well as agitation, irritation, nervousness, insecurity and fear. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, blueberries can also be a powerful medicine, along with other yin nourishing foods as part of a whole foods diet. Consult with your Chinese medicine practitioner about the best treatment plan for your unique needs.
Most of the health benefits of blueberries are experienced when eaten raw, or when frozen whole. I personally recommend picking a lot of blueberries, along with other fruits and vegetables, when they are available locally and seasonally, and especially organic, and freezing what you don't consume right away. Properly frozen blueberries can last for up to a year!
Here is the method I use:
And since baked goods with fresh blueberries are so delicious in moderation as well, here is one of my favorite gluten free muffin recipes, which I use with any type of berry.
Butler's Orchard is another great option for pick-your-own fruits and vegetables in Montgomery County, which I also go to several times a year and highly recommend. You can check out their website and find out what is in season here.
Take advantage of these precious summer months and get out there and harvest some local, delicious food with your friends and family! Please let me know how it goes! Happy Picking!
Here is the method I use:
- Wash blueberries (or any other berry) in a colander and let them sit for a while to drain excess water.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lay blueberries out in a single layer.
- Place in the freezer overnight.
- Once blueberries are individually frozen, which minimizes clumping and freezer burn, place them in plastic bags or containers and store in the freezer
- Blueberries can be eaten frozen or used in smoothies or other favorite recipes.
And since baked goods with fresh blueberries are so delicious in moderation as well, here is one of my favorite gluten free muffin recipes, which I use with any type of berry.
Butler's Orchard is another great option for pick-your-own fruits and vegetables in Montgomery County, which I also go to several times a year and highly recommend. You can check out their website and find out what is in season here.
Take advantage of these precious summer months and get out there and harvest some local, delicious food with your friends and family! Please let me know how it goes! Happy Picking!
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