July 10th is Pick Blueberries Day and there are so many reasons to celebrate!
Picking blueberries as a family is a great way to spend time together while getting some very healthy foods to eat. It's also a great way to be active and soak in some vitamin D from the sun! Blueberries are very high in antioxidants, which help protect our cells and may help reduce risk of memory loss, infections, and certain cancers. Their anthocyanin content also helps to reduce risk of stroke and heart disease.
North Carolina is the 7th top blueberry producer in the nation, so there are plenty of blueberries in our fine state to be picked! When you have your blueberries, try this easy, delicious recipe:
Fruit Rice Cakes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 6 rice cakes
- 1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
- Blueberries
Directions:
- Top each rice cake with 2 teaspoons of cream cheese
- Arrange blueberries on top of cream cheese (for a fun twist - try making flowers, smiley faces, or other designs!)
N.C. Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity provider.
