Fresh Blueberries vs Frozen Blueberries
The fresh vs frozen dilemma is one we all face at times. Sure, it’s always best to consume fruit while it’s fresh and in season. However, this doesn’t mean there’s no place for frozen fruit in recipes. Although our recipe calls for fresh Blueberries, it’s perfectly fine to bake with frozen ones, and there’s no need to let them thaw first. Just add them frozen, and adjust your preparation time slightly, as baking with frozen ingredients can take a few minutes. As always, the toothpick test still applies. If you want to make sure your Blueberries are as tart as possible, try to stock up on fresh Blueberries when they are in season, and freeze some batches for later use. That way, you’ll always have them on hand when you get cravings for your favorite fruit bread.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
For the cute little berries they are, Blueberries sure do pack a healthy punch! Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, these delightful berries have been linked to improved heart health, reduced risk of urinary tract infections, and lowering the likelihood of certain cancers. Best of all, Blueberries are the perfect fruit to add to baked desserts and other confectionery due to their mild flavor and natural sweetness.
When do Blueberries come into season?
Blueberries come into season in the US in the fall, from April to July in the South, April to October in the West, and June to October in the Midwest. This means that fresh and seasonal blueberries are being harvested somewhere in the US for six months of the year. No wonder blueberries feature in a wide range of baked recipes in traditional American treats such as fruit bread, cakes, cookies, tarts, and pies.
Homemade Fruit Bread Recipes
Baking fruit bread is a great way to incorporate more fruit into your diet. Some fruits, such as cranberries, are quite strong-tasting and may not be everyone’s cup of tea when consumed in their raw form. However, when added to desserts and other baked goodies, their tartness really comes into play, combining splendidly with sugar to create unique-tasting confections.
If you’re a fan of blueberry bread recipes such as this one, you may also like to try our Banana Bread with Dark Chocolate Chips. Sweet, moist, and with a rich cocoa kick, it’s a wholesome treat you can feel proud of.
Alternatively, if you’re craving something a little zestier, try your hand at this Olive Oil, Almond, and Orange Cake. You won’t believe how perfectly these three key ingredients blend together to create a subtle yet satisfying sweet bread bake. What’s the secret? Well, it’s simple. La Española Mild & Light Olive Oil facilitates the melding of ingredients in a way that allows their unique flavors to take center stage.
For more recipe inspiration and top cooking and baking tips, be sure to check out our blog.