What’s your favorite way to turn handfuls of blueberries into a craveable dessert? That’s the kind of questions we love at the Carolina Cuisine Network, because North and South Carolina are in peak blueberry season in July and these are wonderful little fruits. They can used in a variety of ways, are incredibly nutritious, and we support local farming families by buying straight from them at their farm or farmer’s market.

Enjoy This Blueberry Season; What Makes Carolina Blueberries Tastes So Special?

Our states’ naturally acidic, sandy soils are perfect for growing bushy and tall blueberry plants that reach for the summer sun and thrive here. These happy plants produce sweet, dark blueberries packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. Buying them fresh from the farmer means getting all the fruit juice and nutrients naturally available from blueberries. The more they dry out on a store shelf or are heated in cooking, the more nutrients they lose. This is true of fruit, corn, and most all produce, so buying and eating fresh is best no matter what state you live in. Find our Recommended Carolina Farmer’s Market Directory here for the freshest food, flavors, and way to support farm business owners in your community to keep Carolina food traditions thriving.

Health Benefits of Carolina Blueberries: Antioxidants, fiber, and feel-good nutrition.

Blueberries from the Carolinas aren’t just tasty, they are a nutrition powerhouse. The dark blue color signals a high level of anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants studied for their potential to protect cells from oxidative stress, support healthy blood vessels, even play a role in memory and cognitive function. These compounds come together to help combat inflammation in the body which is linked to long-term chronic health issues. An eight-ounce cup is low in calories but offer a healthy amount of dietary fiber which supports digestion, helps keep you feeling full longer, and can help maintain stable blood sugars. You’ll also find a healthy dose of vitamin C for immune support and collagen production plus manganese which aid in bone and joint health, skin elasticity, and metabolism.

Blueberry Storage and Use

A handful of fresh berries has natural sweetness, flavor, and is easy to pack for snacks, picnics, school or work lunches too. Top plain yogurt, oatmeal, fruit salad, bake in pies, muffins, scones, bread, and more.

Find Carolina Southern recipes for blueberries here at The Carolina Cuisine Network

Carolina Blueberry & Peach Pie with Spiced Crumble Top

Farm fresh, organic blueberries, peaches, and lemon come together with cinnamon-scented buttery crumble top is make easy and quickly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Carolina

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 Cup Blueberries, fresh or frozen and thawed
• 1 Large Peach, rinsed, peeled, and thinly sliced
• 1-2 Teaspoons Lemon juice Use zest from 1/2 lemon also.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
• 1 Teaspoon Cornstarch
• 1 Pie crust, raw
• 1 Teaspoon Butter, softened
• 1 Cup Flour Stir with fork to break up any clumps.
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar for pie filling
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar for spiced crumble top

Equipment

• 1 Glass baking dish
• 1 Mixing bowl, medium size

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. In a medium mixing bowl add berries, lemon juice, zest, and part of the sugar. Stir to combine. Sprinkle cornstarch over the top and stir gently to combine.
3. Gently lay pie crust over the baking dish and lightly press it into the corners of dish. Use a knife to cut off any extra crust hanging over the dish. Pour blueberry mixture into the crust. Add peaches in a layer over berries.
4. In a small bowl, combine flour, softened butter, a dash of salt, cinnamon, and topping sugar together with clean hands. Mix ingredients until soft crumbles form. Spread all of topping mixture across top of pie.
5. Bake uncovered until edges start to turn golden, about 30 minutes or so.
Using a store-bought pie crust makes this recipe come together quickly for a weeknight dessert treat.

Notes

Tip: You can add pecan pieces to the crumble topping for extra texture and crunch.