National Blueberry Month

July is National Blueberry Month, so let’s take a look at some fun facts about one of our favorite fruits:
• The blueberry is native to North America.
• The U.S. is the world’s largest blueberry producer. Our highest producing state is Washington.
• In the U.S., per capita consumption of blueberries has more than tripled since the early 2,000s!
• A half-cup of blueberries contains just 44 calories but has 2 grams of dietary fiber, and 10% of your daily recommended vitamin C content.
• One blueberry bush can produce up to 6,000 blueberries per year.
• Blueberries have a silvery sheen on their skin, and this is a naturally occurring compound that helps to protect the fruit. That is why you should only wash the berries right before you eat them.
• There are two types of blueberries: (1) Highbush blueberries are the types you find at the grocery store, (2) Lowbush blueberries are smaller, sweeter berries that are used for processing into juices, jams, muffin mixes, and so on.
• Blueberries were called “star fruits” by our Native Americans because the blossom end of each berry forms a perfect five-pointed star.
• Blueberries can be used as a natural dye.
• The world’s record for the heaviest blueberry is 16.2 grams. This berry was grown in Wilbinga, Australia, and it was about 1.4 inches in diameter!
• During WWI, pilots in the British Royal Airforce would eat blueberry preserves before their night missions because they believed it would improve their night vision.
Are you ready for a dumb joke?
Question: Where did Fats Domino get his favorite fruit?
Answer: On Blueberry Hill!