In 1999, the month of July was proclaimed National Blueberry Month by the USDA. Blueberries are commercially grown in 38 states in the US, with 10 states accounting for more than 99% of US commercial production. It is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious North Carolina blueberries. If you buy those local blueberries at a grocery store, chances are it came from the southeastern part of the state. And chances are it was grown in a bay, which, according to a popular theory, was formed by a meteor slamming into the planet thousands of years ago. The NC harvest season typically runs from June through August. Blueberries can grow on a bush up to 12 feet high. A cup of blueberries contributes essential nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and phytonutrients called polyphenols.
National Blueberry Month
No Crust Blueberry Pie
This information and the following recipe were provided by the Wayne County Extension Office.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plus ¼ cup fresh blueberries, divided
- 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and coat a 9-inch round pie dish with cooking spray; set it aside. Combine 1 cup of sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt in a large bowl, and whisk them together; set aside. In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, and extracts. Combine the two mixtures, being careful not to overmix. Stir in 2 cups of blueberries. Pour the mixture into the pie dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle ¼ cup of blueberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar on top. Bake for approximately 40 minutes until the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pie cool before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information: 294 calories, 12.5 g fat, 97mg sodium, 44.2g carbohydrates, 1.5g fiber, 4.5g protein
If you are interested in purchasing blueberries, enjoying blueberry shortcake samples, or submitting a recipe in the blueberry contest, join the Person County Farmers Market on Saturday, July 11 from 8am – 12pm at 4431 Durham Rd in Roxboro for their Blueberry Fest.
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