Did Somebody Say Blueberry Crumble?

By LINDA BOCK (Patch Staff)

July is defintely blueberry season, and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural’s Urban Agriculture Coordinator, Rose Arruda, shared a family favorite as the featured recipe.

Fun Facts about Blueberries:

• Blueberries grow in clusters on bushes but don’t ripen at the same time

• Blueberries are also called star berries

• Wild blueberries grow on low bushes and are smaller than farmed blueberries

• There are more than 50 varieties of blueberries

• Blueberries can be harvested by gently shaking a bush and catching the falling berries

• It takes 2-5 weeks for blueberries to ripen on the bush

• Blueberries don’t ripen after they have been picked

• Blueberries can grow mold in 12 hours after being picked if they are not stored in a dry, cool place

• Blueberries have more heart-healthy antioxidants than most other foods

Recipe for Blueberry Crumble:

Filling:

• 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, softened
• 2 pints rinsed fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch  1/2 cup apple cider
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup toasted oats  1/2 cup chopped, toasted almonds

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 375 ˚. Lightly butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
• For the filling: In a bowl, add the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, cider, and vanilla, carefully, mix the ingredients together with a spatula, leaving the blueberries whole. Set aside while you assemble the topping.
• For the topping: In the bowl of a standing mixer, add the flour and the sugars. Using the paddle attachment, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks mealy or crumbly. Stir in the oats and nuts.
• Pour the filling into the prepared 8-inch square baking dish and evenly distribute the topping over the fruit. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling. Cool slightly and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Fun Facts: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction