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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Blueberries Grown in Florida?
Submitted by: Marilyn Gordon, Ed.D., RD, CSSD, LDN
Registered Dietitian, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
Florida is well known for its citrus, but blueberries? You may be surprised to learn that Florida has a blueberry season. It is a short season however, only two months: April and May. Two types of blueberries grow well in Florida — Rabbiteye and Southern Highbush. They are grown as far south as Ocala, preferring colder winters. There is a Blueberry Festival scheduled in May in Brooksville which is north of Tampa and west of Orlando. See www.floridablueberryfestival.org for more information.
Blueberries are well known for their health benefits and have become a favorite addition to cereal, yogurt, smoothies, baked desserts, or just eaten plain. One cup of raw blueberries has 84 calories, Vitamins A & C, calcium, potassium, fiber and also chocked full of antioxidants which reduce free radical damage. Medical researchers are studying the role of blueberries in cancer prevention, brain and heart health.
The next time you are making a smoothie or having a yogurt, throw in a handful of fresh blueberries, or if you like to bake, here is a link to a lean blueberry coffee cake recipe that could easily also be baked as muffins http://recipefinder.nal.usda.gov/recipes/los-blueberry-coffee-cake.
Enjoy!