Launch of US HighBush Blueberries Season In Malaysia

US Highbush Blueberries are in season now till the end of September

Did you know that Blueberries are one of the most nutritious, low calorie and health beneficial superfoods on the planet?! Yes, it's true these little blue antioxidant-rich fruits are highly recommended by Doctors, Nutritionists and Scientists in reducing your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Only 80 calories per cup & Virtually no fat!

Blueberries might be small in size but definitely prove that great things come in small packages! These sweet and hugely popular berries are packed full of nutrients and are known to fend off heart disease, cancer and brain ageing. The US Highbush Blueberry Council recently launched "The Little Blue Champion" campaign @Village Grocer MYTown Shopping Mall KL, celebrating the amazing health properties and benefits of these little health powerhouses.

From Left to Right: Miss Ong Siang Mun - Area Manager, Village Grocer, Mr Bill Verzani - Agriculture Attache US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agriculture Service, Madam Phorthip Poolprasert - US Highbush Blueberries Council, Mrs Retna Malar - US Highbush Blueberries Representative, displaying the blueberries at the launch of Little Blue Champion Campaign at Village Grocer, MYTown Cheras. 

I will share with you all 10 proven health benefits of including blueberries as part of a balanced diet:

1. Low in Calories but High in Nutrients
2. King of Antioxidant Foods   
3. Reduce DNA Damage, helping protect against Ageing and Cancer
4. Protect Cholesterol in your Blood from becoming Damaged
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
6. Prevent Heart Disease
7. Help maintain Brain Function and Improve Memory
8. Anti-Diabetes Effects 
9. Fight Urinary Tract Infections
10. Reduce Muscle Damage after Strenuous Exercise

Native to North America, blueberries flourish from April to late September. The good news is that they are conveniently available frozen, all year round. Frozen blueberries available in retail are frozen straight from the farm, with all the nutrients, freshness and flavour locked in. They can be kept in the freezer for at least 10 months and is a healthy option, whether you're grabbing a quick snack, a topping for oatmeal in the morning or making a smoothie at home.

Present at the launch, Mr Bill Verzani, the Agriculture Attaché at USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service said US Highbush Blueberries are cultivated by around 2,500 farmers in farms where climates are perfect for the best blueberries. "The US is the world's largest producer of blueberries and we work hard to produce the best quality cultivated blueberries which are shipped fresh to the rest of the world." He added that the world is witnessing a renaissance in the enjoyment of blueberries thanks to its powerful health benefits and its versatility in recipes.

Ms Phornthip Poolprasert, Regional Marketing Representative of the US Highbush Blueberry Council for SE Asia believes Highbush Blueberries are the best in the world. She gave some tips on choosing the best and freshest blueberries at the supermarket. "Look out for the silvery sheen that's known as bloom. The more bloom, the fresher the blueberry," she advised.

Linora Low presenting her 2 easy healthy recipes 
Blueberry Milk & Cauliflower Blueberry Muffins 

During the launch, I got to meet Malaysian fitness icon and health advocate, Linora Low. She shared 2 easy recipes - Blueberry Milk and Cauliflower Blueberry Muffin. She is a big fan of Blueberries, as she leads a healthy active lifestyle with a packed schedule and says, "They're a great snack that keeps you feeling full & satiated, reduces inflammation and lowers blood pressure. They also contain only 80 calories per cup, virtually no fat and are low in sodium."

She recommended getting kids as young as toddlers to start snacking on blueberries to benefit from its ability to improve cognitive abilities. "This is a creative way to get your kids to drink their milk every day and can be prepared quickly with fresh or frozen blueberries," she added.

Blueberry Milk quick and easy to make perfect for a healthy drink on the go

Blueberry Flavored Milk Recipe

Ingredients:
2 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1-2 cups of full-fat milk/almond milk/coconut milk
2 tablespoons of honey
1 teaspoon of chia seeds

STEPS
Add everything to a blender and press go! Serve with fresh blueberries.

Baking Cauliflower Blueberry Muffins are a

healthy & fun way to get the kids involved

Cauliflower Blueberry Muffin RecipeFor 10 Muffins

Ingredients
1/4 cup of blueberries fresh or frozen
1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce -
100g (weighed) raw cauliflower florets
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon of baking powder
4 tablespoons PB butter
1/3 cup coconut sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 tablespoons chia seeds

STEPS

1. Set oven to 350F. - 180C
2. Place all the ingredients EXCEPT the blueberries in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. 
3. Lay out the baking muffin cups. Lightly spray with olive oil or cooking spray / brush olive oil on the cups, then evenly divide the batter. 
4. Place the desired amount of blueberries into each muffin cup - can be about 4-5 blueberries, depending on how big your cups are. If you feel like you want more blueberries you can garnish more on top, but bear in mind it'll make the muffins moister. 
5. Then bake in the oven for 20 – 22 minutes, or until the center is cooked through and a toothpick comes out clean.

Tastes delicious and super healthy somore

Blueberry Tarts, Blueberry Tiramasu & Blueberry Granola Bars - more examples of the versatility of blueberries

US Highbush Blueberries are now available at all your local major Supermarkets nationwide till the end of September so now is the time to stock up before the season ends. Remember you can also freeze them for 10 months so no need to worry about them expiring anytime soon!

For more info, please visit US Highbush Blueberry
Website: www.blueberrycoucil.org/Facebook: www.facebook.com/usblueberries/Instagram: @ushighbushblueberries