Blueberries & Pancakes

Ashdown, Ark. –

Fresh fruit is one of my favorite things about summer. Picking fresh blueberries can be very rewarding. You can enjoy fresh blueberries by themselves for a snack or mixed in with your favorite cereal for breakfast. Blueberries can be added to salad for a sweet flavor. A blueberry cobbler treat is a delicious addition to your weekend. Blueberry season tends to peak around mid-July in our area.

Blueberries provide healthy antioxidants for our bodies indicated by the rich blue color of the berry.  Antioxidants can help our bodies to fight and protect against developing certain types of diseases or conditions. One-half cup of blueberries has about 40 calories, 11 carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein and no fat or cholesterol.  A ripe blueberry should be deep purple to nearly black with silver to white frost on the skin. Blueberries should be firm and plump and free from leaves and stems. Avoid picking blueberries that are soft or leaking juice. Never wash a berry before placing in the refrigerator because it may cause it to spoil faster. Instead rinse blueberries right before serving.  Use fresh blueberries within two weeks of picking off the bush. Freeze blueberries by rinsing then draining off the water and placing it in an airtight freezer container. Always make sure to label and date the freezer container.  Here’s a fresh blueberry recipe you can make for breakfast this weekend.

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
Serves 2, serving size 3-4 medium pancakes.

Ingredients:
¾ c flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp margarine
1 egg
¾ c 1% milk
½ c blueberries, washed and drained

Directions:
1. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
2.  Melt the margarine in a small saucepan.
3. Crack the egg into a medium-size bowl, then add the milk and melted margarine.
4. Whisk egg mixture until it is well mixed.
5. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk again until both mixtures are blended together.
6. Put extra margarine in the saucepan and heat it on the stovetop on medium heat. It is hot enough when the margarine starts to bubble.
7. Use a measuring cup or a small ladle to spoon the batter into the pan. Put some blueberries on top of each pancake.
8. Cook your pancakes on medium heat until small bubbles appear on the top.
9. Use a spatula to see when your pancakes are light brown on the bottom. When they are, flip them over with the spatula.
10. Cook for another few minutes until the pancakes are light brown on the other side.
11. Remove your pancakes and serve immediately.

Call me at the Little River County Extension office at (870) 898-7224 or email cascarborough@uada.edu for more information on blueberries or blueberry recipes.  Always feel free to stop by our office at 1411 N Constitution Ave in Ashdown to receive more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. The Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
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By Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Celeste Scarborough
County Extension Agent - FCS
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
1411 N Constitution Ave Ashdown AR 71822
(870) 898-7224
cascarborough@uada.edu

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.