The stores and markets are full of these colorful berries right now. And Blueberry Bunch Farm in Labelle has opened its massive fields for U-Pick. But what do you do when your basket is overflowing? Here are 5 ways to enjoy blueberry season in Southwest Florida and for TikTok Tuesday.

What’s the big deal with blueberries

These small little berries are big on antioxidants. As a matter of fact, they are considered a superfood by health experts. The berries are said to have a range of health benefits. They include things such as lowering bad cholesterol. The Cleveland Clinic reports they can also help manage blood pressure and blood sugar.

However, many of the recipes below add sugar so keep that in mind if you are a diabetic or currently counting calories. Most of the year, I have frozen blueberries in my house. But this is when things get fun. Fresh is always best. Sprinkle them on your cereal or add them to your yogurt. They are also great in oatmeal and smoothies or simple for snacks.

Homemade Blueberry Muffins on a table with blueberries in the background

It’s blueberry season in Southwest Florida and these delicious looking muffins are just one thing you can make with them. Find more recipes here.

If you find yourself at a U-Pick farm or unable to resist a BOGO at the grocery store, I found some great recipes to help you enjoy them. Yes, most are on the sweet side, meaning deserts. However, there is a unique recipe below if you are watching calories and sugar, and want to add protein to your treats. In addition, I have to throw in a cocktail to round things out.

If you don’t have a TikTok account, don’t worry. I’ve made it easy to view by taking these links from mine. Simply scroll down and watch. Some recipes are in the captions while others appear as embedded text in the video. You can watch from this post without getting into trouble at work. In addition to being delicious, all of these videos are office and kid friendly. Share the post with your blueberry loving friends.

Finally, here are 5 ways to enjoy blueberry season in Southwest Florida

  • Delicious And More Healthful

    These not only look tasty but they are also billed as being more healthful too. I’m buying into it except for one thing.  I’m not sure about the peanut butter in this mix. But I’m willing to give it a try if you are.

  • Refreshing Cocktail

    There is no way I can do a story on blueberries without including some kind of cocktail recipe. I’ve had blueberry mojito’s, blueberries in gin and vodka too. This is so spring and summer. I can’t wait to try it.

  • Blueberry Muffins

    These blueberry muffins look amazing. She says what sets them apart is the topping. It takes a little effort but is allegedly worth it. The recipe has been floating around social media. Time to try it out.

  • Blueberry Lemon Cookies

    Ooooo this sounds great for a brunch, a shower or anytime really. Lemon adds a fresh zip and it almost always goes well with blueberries. The Recipe is in the video and it does not look too hard. A few more steps than some recipes but you might be able to customize it a little too.

    @neaacooks

    Blueberry lemon cookies with white chocolate and jam–recipe below!! -1 1/3 cup sugar -Zest from 2 lemons -1 cup butter, softened -1 tsp vanilla -1 large egg + 1 egg yolk -2 1/4 cups flour -1/4 tsp baking soda -1 tsp baking powder -2 tsps cornstarch -1/2 tsp salt -8 oz block white chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch squares -1 cup fresh blueberries -Raspberry jam 1. Mix together sugar and lemon zest between fingers until course and combined. Cream together butter, sugar, and vanilla, then mix in egg and yolk. 2. Fold in dry ingredients and white chocolate. Gently fold in blueberries until evenly distributed, then dollop a few teaspoons of jam over the dough. Gently swirl in the jam. Chill dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 3. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Divide dough into 14 cookie dough balls. Bake in batches, 4 inches apart, until golden brown around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes (watch closely–may need more or less time depending on oven) #cookies #cookie #blueberrylemon #blueberrylemoncookies

    ♬ original sound - Nea Arentzen

     

  • Blueberry Puff Pastry

    This is another versatile blueberry dish. Serve it for breakfast or dessert. Also good for brunch. I can just taste it with a glass of dry spakling wine. It looks impressive too.

    @vannisaterala

    Part 5. Recipe ⬇️. Blueberry puffed pastry. A simple spring breakfast. Ingredients: 1 pastry sheet 1/2 cup blueberry jam 3 tbsp lemon juice 1 package of cream cheese 6 tbsp powdered sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup fresh blueberries (optional) Directions Preheat your oven to 400F. In a bowl mix together half of the powdered sugar, 2 tbsp lemon juice and cream cheese. Cut your pastry sheet into 6 portions. Whisk the egg and set aside. Brush your pastry sheet with egg mixture and spoon in the cream cheese. Then top with blueberry jam. Top with fresh blueberries. Bake for 16 mins. While the pastry is baking mix your 3 tbsp of powder sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle on top of cooled pastry. #blueberry #pastry #baking #bakingrecipe #recipes #recipe #quickrecipes #easyrecipe

    ♬ Happy Day in Paris - French Cafe 24 x 7

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