American blueberries are back! The US HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY COUNCIL launched “Your Berry Best Friend” as its 2020 campaign celebrating another delicious season of these tiny yet mighty sweet fruits. This immunity “blue-ster” superfruit has laid claim to the throne of antioxidant-rich foods. Blueberries have also proven to be a blue boon to those who eat it, boosting heart health, preventing cancer, boosting immunity and more. Best friend to food lovers across the country, Malaysian celebrity chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob was on hand at a blueberry themed tea party to ring in the new season of US highbush blueberries.
During the event, Dato’ Fazley masterfully crafted divinely a delectable tea time favourite – buttery and flaky Blueberry Thyme Scones. Utilising succulent frozen blueberries that retained all the sweet juices and flavours he provided a saccharine burst to the moist yet crumbly homemade scones.
He then wowed the crowd with his signature deconstructed Eton Mess infused with scrumptious fresh blueberries and drizzled with tart frozen blueberry puree.
The highly charismatic chef regaled the live audience at the tea party with interesting insights on blueberries and how to best incorporate them in a variety of dishes. They dined on a smorgasbord of sensational blueberry-based teatime treats that incorporated a blend of fresh, frozen and dried blueberries – highlighting the immense dynamism and versatility
of the fruit, making them perfect for meals all year round. These little blue dynamos that hail from the nutrient-rich soils of North America typically blossom between April to September and can be best enjoyed fresh during this period.
However, your love affair with blueberries need not stop there. Dried blueberries have an incredibly long shelf-life whilst frozen blueberries are all year round and their lifespan in the freezer can go up to 10 months without sacrificing any of the nutrients, freshness and flavour.
With just 80 calories per serving, the health advantages of blueberries are almost endless. They are packed with fibre that reduces the risk of heart disease and adds bulk to your diet; Vitamin C that promotes growth and development of tissues as well as Vitamin K that improves bone metabolism and regulates blood clotting amongst others.