Discovering NC Agriculture is a social media series focusing on N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Originally started in 2025, this series has been renewed to run for another year! Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
Blueberries are a favorite summertime treat for many people across our state each year. From May to August, local blueberries can be found at farmers markets, roadside stands, and other retailers across North Carolina. Whether you like to eat them straight off the bush or baked into a blueberry pie, blueberries are a delicious summertime snack. Did you know that, in addition to being tasty, blueberries are also packed full of nutrition? Check out this blog from our NCDA&CS Nutrition Marketing Specialist, Freda Butner, on the many ways that blueberries benefit our bellies and our bodies!
“Blueberries have a refreshing ring to my ears when spoken aloud. To me, the word conjures images of blue skies, playful puppies, wildflowers, and other pleasant thoughts. If it doesn’t evoke something similar for you, perhaps you’re not eating enough of them!
Humor aside, blueberries deserve their stellar reputation. They are among the richest dietary sources of compounds that support brain health. Their unique combination of nutrients has been associated with improved cognition and may help address several factors that contribute to age-related cognitive decline.
Anthocyanins—the pigments responsible for blueberries’ deep blue and purple color—are the stars of the show. Certain metabolites produced from anthocyanins allow them to interact directly with brain tissue and neurons. Their remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are supported by numerous laboratory studies and human clinical trials. In fact, scientists and physicians from around the world gather at international conferences each year to share the latest research on blueberries and their effects on human health. That’s quite an endorsement for some fruit!
Blueberries also provide generous amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and manganese, creating a nutritional powerhouse. These nutrients support digestive health, help regulate blood sugar, and contribute to overall wellness. Many people have heard of the “gut-brain axis”—the remarkable communication network between the digestive system and the brain that helps regulate metabolism, mood, and cognitive function.
And guess what’s between the gut and the brain? The heart, of course! Blueberries support cardiovascular health through their overall mix of polyphenols, fiber, and other nutrients. Enjoying a few cups of fresh or frozen blueberries each week is a delicious way to nourish your mind and body.”
Stock up on blueberries at a farmers market, roadside stand or other retailer near you to enjoy some of these incredible benefits today. We are so thankful for all of the blueberry farmers in our state who work hard to provide fresh berries each year!
