There is nothing like Newfoundland wild blueberries. I lived away for almost 7 years and it wasn’t until I returned home did I realize how perfectly sweet and flavourful they are. I can’t eat them without flashing back to being a little girl picking blueberries in the marshy areas practically in my backyard. I remember how peaceful it was being out there with my friends. Each of us with our own little bush, knowing not to intrude on our co-pickers find. It was an unspoken rule. Some people like to use blueberry pickers, which grab a bunch of berries in one swipe. I never liked those because they take some of the non-ripe berries. Also, there is something peaceful about picking them one at a time.

According to an article I read, NL wild blueberries are the only blueberries that are not susceptible to the blueberry maggot. Wild blueberries are known as the low-bush variety and are more flavorful than the high-bush cultivated variety. Another article states that NL blueberries have developed a “tough character” since we have a cooler, longer growing season. When this article was written the interviewee, Jeff Milner, concluded that “Newfoundland blueberries have tested higher in antioxidant value and other pharmaceutical values – mostly in the skin itself.”

Blueberries are definitely my berry of choice and I have been playing around with some different recipes lately. My parents and grandfather picked me four 2 kg buckets (reused salt beef buckets of course) and I have already gone through one and onto the next. My grandfather shares a similar love of growing and harvesting food and always has an eye out for undiscovered blueberry patches. This year he found a beautiful bunch of perfectly ripe berries and left a bucket on a fencepost for my parents to find the next day. I am a lucky girl!

As promised, here is a blueberry infused green smoothie recipe! I have been testing this recipe for a while and finally came up with a combo that I LOVE! I decided to use mangos instead of bananas to add sweetness and creaminess. If you are new to green smoothies and still need more sweetness, add a little bit of liquid sweetener such as maple syrup or agave to taste!

Blueberry Mango Green Smoothie

• 1 cup almond milk (or other non-dairy milk)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 1 cucumber
• A handful of kale (or spinach)
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup – 1 cup coconut water (or water)*
• Liquid sweetener to taste if desired

* I ended up using 1 cup of coconut water, but could have done with less for a more creamy consistency.

Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You can drink it all in one serving or divide into two and save one for a snack!

What is your favorite thing to do with fresh picked NL blueberries? Share it below! Stay tuned for a yummy Blueberry Chia Jam recipe!