Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of the fresh, local produce that you find at Alabama farmers markets! Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a delicious fruit or vegetable, providing nutrition facts, simple storage and cooking tips, and new recipe ideas. Get ready to explore fresh flavors, boost your meals with nutritious ingredients, and enjoy the best of what Alabama’s farms have to offer.

Nutrition Nuggets

• Blueberries are a fiber-rich and low-sodium food and contain anthocyanins, an antioxidant associated with healthy aging.
• They are high in vitamin C to support a strong immune system and a healthy digestive system.

How to Store

• Store in the refrigerator a closed container with holes for ventilation for up to 10 to 14 days. Store in the freezer for 10 months.
• Do not wash berries before storing them in the refrigerator to reduce excess moisture. Instead, rinse before eating.

How to Prepare

• Wash and dry.

How to Enjoy

• Enjoy fresh as a snack or a topping for yogurt or hot or cold cereals.
• Add to muffins, pancakes, or waffles, or toss in a spinach and lettuce salad or fruit salad.
• Add whole to water, juice, or smoothies, or freeze into ice cubes for a refreshing beverage.

Did You Know?

• Blueberries do not ripen after picking like some other fruits and vegetables.

Recipes

Berry Parfait

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup granola, reduced-fat
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup yogurt, reduced-fat

DIRECTIONS

1. Grab four small glass containers and divide strawberries among the glasses.

2. Sprinkle granola over the strawberries.

3. Divide blueberries and place on top of the granola.

4. Spoon the yogurt on top of the blueberries and serve immediately.

Homemade Popcorn Trail Mix

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 ounce walnut halves (or nut of choice)
• 1 cup popped popcorn, unsalted
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, shelled (also called pepitas)
• Optional: add unsalted pretzels or raisins as desired

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and gently stir to combine.

Learn More

For more Tasty Tidbits, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com.

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