Remember the scene where the bratty child from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ate too many blueberries? This week’s food is all about blueberries and how the world has gone violet for them. Botanists believe that our modern blueberries are descendants of a shrub that dates back 13,000 years ago. Cousins of blueberries are seen in Europe and Asia, but the true blueberry we know today is one of three indigenous fruits found in North America.
Blueberries were pretty much considered a sacred plant by Native Americans. They called the blueberries the “Star berry” because of the blossom end, the calyx, forms a perfect five-point star. They saw the berry as a gift from the Great Spirit who gave it to them to feed their children in times of hunger.
Before the days of blueberry smoothies and pie, Native Americans used the berry in several different ways. Blueberries were used in soups and stews, seasoning for meat, and as a preservative to keep meat fresh longer. A popular dish they liked was a pudding called Sautauthig (pronounced sawi-taw-teeg) made with blueberries, cracked corn and water. English settler later added milk, butter and sugar to sweeten the pudding.
Native Americans also found by making tea from the root and leaves of the plant, it would ease the pain of childbirth and purify the blood. Today scientists have discovered that blueberries are a great antioxidant that helps fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer and aging of the brain. With all the nutritional benefits of blueberries, don’t hesitate to go violet for blueberries.
No comments:
Post a Comment