American blueberries are back! The US HIGHBUSH
BLUEBERRY COUNCIL launched “Your Berry Best Friend” as its 2020 campaign celebrating
another delicious season of these tiny yet mighty sweet fruits.
(L – R) Rowena Ngumbang - Agricultural Marketing Specialist, FAS Office USDA, Chef Dato’ Fazley, William Verzani - U.S. Embassy Agriculture Attaché, Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), U.S. Department of Agriculture and Retna Malar - Malaysian Representative for US Highbush Blueberry Council and Managing Director, All About Fresh Produce, stood proudly behind the phenomenal dessert spread called the Sweet Table, which was elevated with succulent, dainty blueberries
This immunity “blue-ster” super fruit has laid claim to the throne of antioxidant-rich foods. Blueberries have also proven to be a blue boon to those who eat it, boosting heart health, preventing cancer, boosting immunity and more.
Best friend to food lovers across the country, Malaysian celebrity chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob was on hand at a blueberry themed tea party to ring in the new season of US highbush blueberries.
“Blueberries are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fibre and a tangy flavour that comes to life in our recipe for a summery blueberry crisp, be it sweet or savoury, and that’s what I love about blueberries. They are delightfully versatile!” said the owner of the newly launched restaurant Minangkapau at the launch.
During the event, Dato’ Fazley masterfully crafted divinely a delectable tea time favourite - buttery and flaky Blueberry Thyme Scones. Utilising succulent frozen blueberries that retained all the sweet juices and flavours he provided a saccharine burst to the moist yet crumbly homemade scones.
He then wowed the crowd with his signature deconstructed Eton Mess infused with scrumptious fresh blueberries and drizzled with tart frozen blueberry puree.
“With its overall complex, tangy and sweet flavours, blueberries are the perfect superfood to pair with all types of dishes. Whether it is sweet, savoury, citrusy or spicy dishes blueberries are a great accompaniment. I often incorporate these little gems in my family’s diet due to their health properties and versatility – from breakfast treats to smoothies or on-the-go snacks to desserts. Take your dishes to the next level with blueberries,” added the winner of Malaysia Celebrity Masterchef 2012.
The highly charismatic chef regaled the live audience at the tea party with interesting insights on blueberries and how to best incorporate them in a variety of dishes. They dined on a smorgasbord of sensational blueberry-based teatime treats that incorporated a blend of fresh, frozen and dried blueberries – highlighting the immense dynamism and versatility of the fruit, making them perfect for meals all year round.
Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob proudly presents US Highbush Blueberry Council’s Your Berry Best Friend at TCH Foodworks.
These little blue dynamos that hail from the nutrient rich soils of North America typically blossom between April to September and can be best enjoyed fresh during this period. However, your love affair with blueberries need not stop there. Dried blueberries have an incredibly long shelf-life whilst frozen blueberries are all year round and their lifespan in the freezer can go up to 10 months without sacrificing any of the nutrients, freshness and flavour.
William Verzani, U.S. Embassy Agriculture Attaché, Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, said the native North American US Highbush Blueberries has a more than 100 year legacy helping people lead healthier and fulfilling lives. “Blueberries have deep roots in our country’s history. The perfect climate and cultured soil form the bedrock of our delicious and nutritious US Highbush Blueberries. Today, the US is the largest producer of blueberries worldwide, we are proud to be sharing this great taste and health benefits with the rest of the world.”
With just 80 calories per serving, the health advantages of blueberries are almost endless. They are packed with fibre that reduces the risk of heart disease and adds bulk to your diet; Vitamin C that promotes growth and development of tissues as well as Vitamin K that improves bone metabolism and regulates blood clotting amongst others.
“We take pride in our blueberries being the best in the world. With the long list of health benefits, blueberries are a must-have super fruit for people of all ages, from babies to elderly. They truly are Your Berry Best Friend,” added William Verzani.
To find out more, please visit US Highbush Blueberry Council website https://www.blueberrycouncil.org/ and also social media pages, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usblueberries/or Instagram: @littlebluedynamos
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