Thank God for blueberries and gin! Also, friends with a blueberry farms!
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Sam and Jeanette Abell, owners of Abell berry farm. Located in Kent, Ohio, they have been supplying their community of the most delicious berries for over 31 years. Over the years, friends and family have shared their favorite blueberry recipes with them... this is mine.
But first... some fresh blueberry storing and health tips.
Blueberries keep longer than any other berry when refrigerated. When you pick your own, blueberries are at their maximum freshness and ripeness. To best maintain the quality, store (unwashed) in a container in the refrigerator. Wet blueberries will mold. When stored correctly, fresh picked blueberries can last up to two weeks.
The USDA recommends you do not wash berries before freezing. Simply pour the blueberries into an airtight container, seal and place in freezer. When ready to use, wash the blueberries. When a frozen blueberry is thawed, it will lose its firmness but will keep its full flavor. Therefore, its best to use the frozen blueberry before its completely thawed.
Blueberries rank first in Vitamin A and second in food energy. they contain Vitamin C and iron, a supply of trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Blueberries are low in calories, half of cup contains only 42 calories. Most recent study confirms that blueberries contain substances that have antioxidant properties.
*all information above came from the Abell Berry Farm recipe book
Blueberry Lemon Gin Slushy
4 - 8 oz cocktails
3 cups frozen blueberries, washed but not thawed
3/4 cup gin (bartenders choice)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - FRESH
Place all items into a blender. Blend until smooth. Its important to have the berries frozen as it acts as the "ice".
Serve in your favorite cocktail glass that has been chilled - its summer!
Garnish with fresh mint plumes. Enjoy responsibly.
Kommentare