N.B.: The following information was extracted from one of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Extension Service publications, FNH-00111, Alaska Blueberries. Please visit the Family and Home Economics Publication, web page where you will find a listing of all their publications, many of which may be downloaded in the Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF).
Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants, a group of biochemicals shown to be an important part of the human diet. The oxygen radical absorption capacity test (ORAC) shows overall antioxidant activity. Original research with fruits show cultivated blueberries with a score of 24, which is higher than other commercial fruits included in the studies. Anything above 40 is considered very high.
| Blue Huckleberry | 111 |
| Dwarf Blueberry | 85 |
| Bog blueberry | 77 |
| Alaska Blueberry | 76 |
| Wild Blueberry (Lower 48) | 61 |
When berries are processed, antioxidant levels change but are still high compared to other fruits. Wild Alaska blueberry products provide the following ORAC values:
| Dried Berries | 420 |
| Fruit Leather | 270 |
| Frozen Fruit | 71 |
| Frozen Juice | 48 |
| Canned juice | 44 |
| Canned fruit | 43 |
| Jam | 36 |
| Syrup | 32 |
To clean berries, spread a clean, dry terrycloth towel over a slanted surface, such as a cutting board with one end propped up a few inches. Gently roll the berries down the towel; most of the debris and leaves will cling to the towel while the berries roll off. To remove insects, either pick through berries and discard wrinkled or distorted berries. Another option is to make a brine solution of ½ teaspoon salt to 2- gallon tepid water. Let berries stand in brine for one hour. Drain and rinse.
Clean blueberries may be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Long-term storage methods include freezing and drying.
~ fgd ~
Fielder George Dowding, Resident Geek
Newsletter Editor and Publisher.