Once mid summer hits beaches, firecrackers and anything involving a flotation device begins to lose its recreational appeal. Finding new ways to extend the season becomes more urgent as Back to School promotions infiltrate the shopping aisles. Connect with the outdoors and contribute to a healthy lifestyle by picking your own fruit as an alternative summer event. We chose blueberries because an abundance of this anti-oxidant rich fruit is always welcomed in our household.
The natural appeal of fresh picked blueberries.
The Art of Picking Your Own Fruit
Picking blueberries in an open field is as close to Eden you’ll get before that pesky snake ruined all the fun. The act of snatching a berry from branch to mouth changes your internal wiring. We are not accustomed to being given something without a monetary exchange or promise of service. (At Silveman’s Farm in Easton, CT, where we visited, the fee is $5 a pint per picker.)
View of Silverman’s Farm as we await the tractor ride to the blueberry crops.
Unleashing children in a patch with an empty basket has that kid in a candy store effect without the fear of tooth decay. They understand the work/play dichotomy and experience the agrarian lifestyle firsthand. It’s a back-to-nature activity that has more impact than anything a computer can generate.
-
- Anticipating the berry picking.
-
- Evaluating the bushes.
-
- On the search for ripe berries.
-
- Primed for the picks.
-
- Filling a basket is a process.
-
- Ride back on a full stomach.
Recipes
After eating enough blueberries to feel like you need to be stretched out by a battalion of Oompa Loompas, we start composing simple recipes. Everything is made within the week in order to maximize the fresh flavor in a variety of ways.
Blueberry Banana Coconut Muffins
Enough muffins to service a week’s worth of breakfasts.
Prep time:
15 minutes
Baking time:
20 minutes
Yield:
6 jumbo muffins
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe mashed bananas, about 3/4 cup of mashed banana
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
Yield:
1-2 servings
In a large bowl mash bananas.
Add sugar, vanilla and eggs.
Add oil and blueberries, mix thoroughly.
In a medium bowl combine dry ingredients and gently stir into banana mixture.
Spoon into 6 well-greased jumbo muffin cups.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
Blueberry Breakfast Bowl
Yield:
1-2 servings
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1 ounce raspberries
- 1 small banana diced
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon chia
Directions:
In a large breakfast bowl scoop in yogurt to one side. In sections add granola, berries and sliced bananas. Sprinkle with coconut, chia, honey or toppings of your choice, such as maple syrup, dark chocolate nibs and nuts.
Blueberry banana nut smoothie
Blueberry smoothie with healthy benefits.
Resources:
Tea towels: Pomegranate Inc.
Bowls: BIA Cordon Bleu
Local blueberry picking: Silverman’s Farm
