July Is National Blueberry Month!

Did you know there are only three fruits native to North America? That’s right — blueberries, cranberries and Concord grapes.

Botanists estimate that blueberries have been around for more than 13,000 years. And legend has it that Native Americans gave blueberries to the new settlers, helping them make it through their first winter. Blueberries are also really good for you — they are a great source of vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants (nutrients that protect your body’s cells from damage)!

Blue Banana Boats

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 fruit roll-ups, any flavor

• 4 thin 4-inch-long pretzel sticks

• 1-1/2 cups fresh, frozen or drained canned blueberries

• 1/2 cup grape juice or juice from canned blueberries

• 2 bananas, cut in quarters

• 4 small scoops frozen yogurt or fruit sorbet

• 1/2 cup fruit cut in pieces, such as mandarin oranges or grapes

HOW TO MAKE IT:

1. To make “sails”: Unroll fruit rolls and cut into 4 triangles, about 3 inches on all sides; with a sharp knife, make 3 small cuts along one edge of each triangle; thread onto pretzel sticks.

2. In 4 soup or cereal bowls, divide blueberries evenly; pour 2 tablespoons juice into each bowl.

3. To form a “boat”: Place two banana quarters on opposite sides of bowl; between the bananas, place a scoop of frozen yogurt. 
Scatter fruit over all and push a pretzel “sail” into yogurt. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 portions

Per portion: 254 calories; 55 g carbohydrate; 4 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 5 g fiber.

Courtesy of U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. For more great recipes, visit www.blueberry.org.