National Blueberry Pancake Day (Jan 28th) has me thinking back to that time a few years ago, when everything was ‘normal.’ One day a few of us media types whirled around Vancouver tasting impressive blueberry creations by chefs around town. At the end of the day we picked a winner. And, yes, we were very (and happily) full of BC blueberries. In fact we were positively glowing in blissful anti-oxidation.
What’s not to like about blueberries? Not much! One thing I do find intriguing is how we take them for granted year round. But the domesticated, perfectly shaped (and conveniently frozen) BC blueberry is actually a relatively recent occurrence. Traditionally blueberries were always harvested. It was only in the early part of the 20th century that the commercial ‘high bush’ cultivar was developed.
Did you know that the blueberry is an indigenous North American fruit, one of very few? Native Americans harvested blueberries over millennia and revered the fruit for its nutritional as well as medicinal properties. Aside from being enjoyed fresh, it was often dried or powdered and blended with dried meat for winter sustenance. But blueberries were also used to sooth coughs as well as for making dye for fabric and baskets. Also, interestingly, in these pandemic times, its genus Latin name is Vaccinium.
Today’s blueberries are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. I always keep some handy in the freezer. Just look for “cultivated” or “high bush” “Buy BC” “Product of Canada” on the packages to make sure your blueberries are from BC.
5 BC Blueberry Treats
Here are 5 ‘no fuss, no muss’ ways you can celebrate National Blueberry Pancake Day—with or without pancakes—year-round!
Blueberry orange spice pancakes
1. Of course, make pancakes! You can get as fancy as you want or just go plain. All it takes is a few eggs, milk, an orange, flour, spices and baking powder—and frozen BC Blueberries, of course. Click here for the recipe.
2. Even easier, how about a quick dessert of thawed blueberries with vanilla ice cream—plus a drizzle of maple syrup, if you like?
3. Don’t feel like ‘cooking’ period?
Look for Origo Freeze Dried Blueberries.
They’re absolutely delicious—the perfect, crunchy and super healthy snack.
4. A true Blueberry Tea cocktail. Most cocktails masquerading as ‘Blueberry Tea’ don’t actually contain any blueberries but are a clever bartenders’ ruse that combines Grand Marnier and Amaretto plus black tea and citrus—that results in a suggestion of blueberry flavour. However, you can make a ‘real’ blueberry tea just by adding 1/4 cup of strained, juiced frozen berries to the classic recipe: 1/2 oz. of Amaretto, 1 oz. of Grand Marnier and 3 ounces of Earl Grey tea. Garnish with a few whole blueberries.
5. Blueberry smoothie. Here’s the ultimate healthy drink that’s packed with goodness. Most recipes use some banana as a sweetener but you can substitute a teaspoon of honey if you wish.
For more frozen BC blueberry recipe ideas, visit bcblueberry.com.
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