Long before Fats Domino was crooning about "Blueberry Hill," Native Americans used the potent fruit to treat coughs. These tiny little gems do indeed pack a potent punch. They rank the highest of any fruit for antioxidants (those free-radical-fighting powerhouses), and one cup delivers 14% of the recommended daily dose of fiber and nearly a quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Blueberries are also low in calories — fewer than 100 for a full cup. They owe their distinct hue to their high anthocyanin content, which gives certain fruits and veggies their deep blues and reds. North America is still the leading producer of this beloved blue fruit, accounting for up to 90% of the world’s supply. The berry is celebrated throughout July — the peak of its harvest — during National Blueberry Month. And the fruit received an unofficial presidential seal of approval after Ronald Reagan insisted on having blue jelly beans at his inauguration, leading the Jelly Belly company to introduce its blueberry flavor.
Love those blueberries! They are one of my favorite fruits.