Blueberry season in Quebec starts from mid-July until the end of August. Cultivated and wild blueberries can be purchased at the farmers' markets, road- side fruit stands or can be picked at blueberry farms.
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Wild Blueberries
The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec is the province’s largest producer of wild blueberries. In fact, the residents of this region are referred to ‘bluets’ (or blueberries). Every year, the region celebrates the blueberry by hosting blueberry festivals such as the ' Festival du Bleuet à Dolbeau-Mistassini" where fun day long activities are planned for both children and adults.
These wild and juicy blueberries have inspired countless of delicious recipes such as the popular blueberry pie and chocolate-covered blueberries, a specialty from the Trappist monks.
Canadian Largest Wild Blueberry Producers
The province of Nova Scotia is Canada's largest wild blueberry producer. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island also produce large quantities of wild blueberries.
Nutrional Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are known for their high content of antioxidants as well as fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
According to Wild Bluberries, wild blueberries are the leader in antioxidants. Wild blueberries deliver a potent antioxidant punch — in fact they have the highest antioxidant capacity per serving, compared with more than 20 other fruits
How to Purchase and Store Fresh Blueberries
Blueberries should be firm with a vibrant blue color. The container of blueberries should be shaken to make sure that the blueberries move. If they don't move, the blueberries might be mushy or moldy.
Unwashed blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries
Freeze unwashed blueberries on a cookie sheet, then store in plastic freezer bags. Frozen blueberries do not have to be thawed to add to baking.
Fresh Blueberry Lemon Cake Recipe
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9x15 inch baking pan
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh wild blueberries (or cultivated blueberries)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 3 large eggs
- lemon zest of one large lemon
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple sugar for sprinkling
How to make the Fresh Blueberry Lemon Cake
- Rinse blueberries and place in medium size bowl.
- Fold in the ¼ cup granulated sugar and cinnamon to coat the blueberries.
- Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, vegetable oil, orange juice, eggs and lemon zest until well combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt together.
- Stir into the wet ingredients until well combined.
- Add half the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the blueberries over the batter.
- Add the remainder of the batter over the blueberries.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon or maple sugar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean.
- Let cool.
How to Serve the Fresh Blueberry Lemon Cake
Serve with as is or with ice cream, yogurt or lemon curd.
Fresh Blueberry Desserts
Blueberry Pie Recipes Made with Fresh Blueberries
Sweet Blueberries Over a Tart Lemon Curd Crepe
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