Kentucky Proud blueberries are available from mid-June through early August.  (USDA photo)

Selecting Kentucky Proud blueberries

Kentucky Proud blueberries should be plump and firm with a dark blue color.  A dull appearance means the berries are old.  Look for stains on conainers which could indicate fruit that has been crushed or bruised. 

Keeping Kentucky Proud blueberries fresh

Handle blueberries gently to avoid bruising them.  Sort them carefully and place the berries loosely in a shallow container.  Store them immediately in the refrigerator.  Blueberries can be refrigerated for three to five days.  Never soak berries in water.   To prepare them, wash them gently in cold water and drain. 

A wonderful Kentucky Proud recipe...High Bridge Blueberry Crisp

You'll need:

4 cups fresh Kentucky Proud blueberries

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/3 cup butter or margarine

Grease the bottom and sides of an 8"x8" baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter.  Rinse the blueberries and drain.  Place in the prepared pan.  Mix the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl.  Cut in the butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over the blueberries.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.  Serve warm alone, or topped with ice cream.

Yields 6 servings.

Recipe found in the "Pride of Kentucky" cookbook, published by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. 

Return to produce information page.

Check out other great Kentucky Proud recipes.