HONG
KONG, CHINA - Media
OutReach - 17 March 2020 - Studies conducted at
the South Dakota State University show that freezing blueberries makes their
powerful antioxidants more available to the human body. This is because
anthocyanins, the antioxidant compounds that make blueberries blue, are found
in the skin of the berry. Freezing the berries creates tiny ice crystals
that disrupt the structure of the cells, which in turn makes it easier for our
system to access the anthocyanins contained within the skin. According to the
researcher behind the study, Marin Plumb, because commercially packaged
blueberries are frozen soon after they are picked, "they are equal in quality
to fresh."

Researches
have shown that frozen blueberries might even have the edge over fresh berries
when it comes to health. This is great news anyone interested in healthy eating
as frozen BC-grown blueberries are available year-round and frozen BC
blueberries can be used in many of the same recipes as fresh berries.

With over 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the
BC Blueberry Council represents over 600 highbush growers. Combined these
growers have more than 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of highbush blueberries
planted in order to meet growing demand. The BC Blueberry Council has a
strong commitment to on-farm food safety and works diligently with blueberry
growers and collaborates with packers and processors to ensure that BC blueberries
meet the highest standards for food safety and quality.