Blueberry Plum by The Pollyanna Society
Taste the Local Difference - our partner in delivering these "eat local" features - hasn't posted their 2008 feature on the mighty, mighty blueberry. In 2008 Michigan blueberry picking information, Edward Veilmetti writes that blueberries are ready to pick in southern Michigan. Add to that the 3 pounds of Holland-grown blueberries I'm pigging down, and I think we can set the blueberries free.
From Ready to Pick: Blueberries (2007), Janice Benson writes (with our links):
Native Americans gathered blueberries for centuries, and much folklore developed around them, as they were considered a highly valuable food source. The elders of a tribe would tell the story of how the Great Spirit sent "star berries" to relieve the children's hunger during a famine. The star refers to the perfect five-pointed star on the blossom end of each berry. Blueberry juice and tea were used as medicines, and as an excellent dye for baskets and clothing. They were also used in soups and stews and in a beef jerky that was eaten year round.
The National Institute of Health suggests that there is evidence that the antioxidants in blueberries can prevent some of the problems associated with aging, and can actually reverse some of these effects. In one study, scientists studied rats and found that ones who consumed blueberries were more active and alert!
Blueberries are low in fat, and a good source of both fiber and vitamin C. One cup of fresh blueberries will give you five grams of fiber and 15 percent of your daily vitamin C.
July is National Blueberry Month and Michigan leads the nation in blueberry production, producing 32% of the blueberries eaten in the U.S.
We can't eat facts though, so bring on the main course, courtesy Eric Villegas and Fork in the Road (more blueberry recipes from Eric right here!).
Roasted Maple Brined Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Blueberries
Eric prepared this on Fork in the Road Show #112 we served it with a special Broccoli Rabe and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
blueberry pie, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and a spoon
by Caselet (it's the simple things, really)
Ingredients:
4 maple brined pork tenderloins trimmed, see brine recipe in episode 2
6 to 8 ounces each
1 pint veal, chicken or pork demi-glace, see recipe
french sea salt, to taste
fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
2 ounces lime compound butter, see recipe in episode 8
1 cup fresh Michigan blueberries, frozen will work if fresh are not available
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 475 degrees. Place the brined and seasoned tenderloins in an ovenproof or cast iron pan and place in the center of your hot oven and roast the meat for about 5-6 minutes. Then flip meat over and roast until juices run clear. Remove meat from pan and let rest.
In a non-reactive sauce pan add the demi-glace and season with the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and add the blueberries. Bring the sauce back to a boil and let reduce a bit (2-3 minutes) so the sauce is thick and the blueberries have burst. Finish the sauce by adding the lime butter and shaking the boiling sauce in the pan to incorporate the butter and emulsify the sauce. Place each tenderloin on a warmed dinner plate and serve with blueberry sauce poured over the top.
Still hungry? Check out Absolute Michigan keyword blueberry ... or blueberries.
10 Comments
The comments on my blog said that the Sleeper Lake Fire location near Newberry is having a blueberry bloom - not quite ripe yet as of 7/16.
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It is true! The recovering Sleeper Lake Fire Area will be a blueberry pickers heaven...
However, you must HIKE in, no ORVs, trucks, motorized vehicles. The area is recovering from the fire, and with adequate rainfall, much of the area has returned to it's normal wet and swampy state. Can you say MOSQUITOS?
Also, a lot of research is taking place there documenting plant, insect, and critter activity. It is also being patrolled regularly by Conservation Officers and others to prevent ORV damage. If you hike in to pick, please get permission or stop at the DNR office in Newberry to find out where to go in. They are not ready yet, still green.
The Morel crop there was phenomenal, unfortunately, it created a traffic and damage problem, as well as some trespass issues. So please use common sense. Thanks!
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i am wondering if anyone can tell me aprox. when the blue berries will be ready to pick in the Newberry area where they had the fire! Any information would be wonderful
Patty
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They are already starting to ripen, in my backyard, about 3 miles NW of Sleeper Lake Area.
I have too many to pick nearby to check first hand, but judging from the berry abundance along Lake Superior, they are ready to start picking now. It's been chilly and cloudy, so a few warm sunny days will really ripen them up.
Please respect the area and do not enter private property w/out permission or anywhere on ORVs.
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Would it be worth the trip from the IM area to pick berries in the Sleeper Lake Fire area? Blueberries are very sparse around here.
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What do you mean by "worth the trip?"
Are you talking quarts, gallons, buckets? LOL!
Next week may be better, we are supposed to have a few warm sunny days this weekend.
Are you looking to freeze, bake pies? You could probably pick a couple of quarts in an afternoon... if you don't eat them all as you pick and in between swatting bugs!
Where is "IM" area? How long a trip is it for you? Do you know a property owner bordering the area to gain access?
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Go ahead, toss in some delightful blueberries from the Lansing State Journal
Continue reading for some great tips
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It's blueberry season: Bite into a bit of paradise - The Grand Rapids Press at mlive.com
Continue reading
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We were at the Dexter Blueberry Farm in Dexter, MI (just west of Ann Arbor) today - very good picking, lots of berries, lots more to be had next week and the week after too.
http://arborwiki.org/city/Dexter_Blueberry_Farm
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Blueberry season again!
I've been tracking prices for berries at farmers market in Ann Arbor. This Saturday the best price for a 10# lug was $26, down from $40 the week before.
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[...] more including health benefits from Taste the Local Difference. Also see Eat Local: Michigan Blueberries on Absolute Michigan and find more blueberry info from Real Time [...]
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