Blueberries

Now widely recognised as a ‘superfood’, blueberries are bigger cousins of the native Irish bilberry or fraughan and thrive in similar peaty habitats.

Grown on cutaway bogland in County Offaly, Irish blueberries are in season in August and September, when they are available in shops.

Along with many other Irish fruit and vegetables, including strawberries and rasberries, they’re distributed by Keelings , who guarantee that customers will get berries that are picked when they are ripe – and, of course, seeking them out will support the local economy too.

You can also buy fresh Irish blueberries at Farmleigh Food Market and from the farm shop at Derryvilla, Portarlington, where other blueberry products are available too.

Virtually fat and cholesterol free, low in calories, high in vitamins A and C, while high in dietary fibre and in calcium, they require very little sweetening - and have more antioxidants than most other fruits and vegetables.

All this, and much more, can be said of their health-giving properties but, aside from all that, they’re absolutely delicious – and can be eaten raw or cooked in many dishes including desserts, bakes and drinks such as the quick and easy smoothie below.

Blueberries freeze well and are very versatile to use from frozen. Although most of the blueberries in shops are imported (check the label), remember to buy local when they’re in season in Ireland!

RECIPE: Blueberry Smoothie

175ml / 6fl oz natural Irish apple juice, eg Llewellyn, Karmine or Crinnaughton

120ml / 4fl oz natural Irish yoghurt, eg Glenisk, Killowen or Glenilen

1 banana, peeled and roughly chopped

170g / 6oz Irish blueberries


Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

To serve, pour into glasses.