Lucky for us Pennsylvanians, our friendly neighbor, New Jersey, ranks second in the nation in the production of their state fruit, and one of summer’s most beloved berries. Twenty-one percent of the nation’s blueberries are cultivated in New Jersey, making them a farm-to-table good value on this side of the Delaware River. The tart little berry’s size can be deceiving, but don’t be fooled. This is one remarkable fruit.

Indigenous to New Jersey, the high bush blueberry has become a “superfood” symbol. Not only is the blueberry delicious, but it is nutritious, and offers health benefits as well. Sodium free, low both in calories and cholesterol, blueberries are a guiltless snack. They are high in fiber, vitamin-C, and antioxidants, which help reduce the number of free radicals in the human body. This super fruit also helps prevent cancer and heart disease.

Aside from being an excellent source of nutrition, the blueberry also has versatility on its side. When the idea of eating blueberries on their own seems dull, remember that they are also delightful in a salad, as an iconic pie, in cakes, jams, jellies, and muffins even a vivid fruit smoothie.

For a refreshing treat this summer, chill blueberries in the freezer for an icy snack that is easy to pop in your mouth when you’re on the go.

If frozen blueberries aren’t for you, try this easy recipe for Blueberry Cobbler and Blueberry Smoothie.

Blueberry Cobbler

Serves 8 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup milk 1 cup sugar 1 cup butter, melted 1 cup blueberries, rinsed, picked over Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine milk, sugar, flour and ¾ cups butter. Stir well. Pour into baking dish and pour remaining butter on top of the mixture. Pour blueberries on top. Place uncovered into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Serve with a dollop of Basset’s vanilla ice cream.

Blueberry Smoothie

Yields 1 Serving, about 2 cups ½ cup nonfat or 1% milk ½ cup nonfat plain yogurt 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 tsp honey Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Kayla Calabro is a senior studying Culinary Arts at Drexel University and is pursuing her love of creating specialty cakes.

Article photo by powi via Flickr (Creative Commons), cobbler image by gone-walkabout via  Flickr (Creative Commons), smoothie photo by anjuli_ayer via Flickr (Creative Commons), In Season photo by TimWilson via Flickr (Creative Commons), "Plate" photograph from FoodCollection/Getty Images.