Celebrating Nova Scotia Blueberries
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wild blueberry season is here, and we couldn’t be more excited. Estimated at around $100 million, the blueberry industry in Nova Scotia is the number one fruit crop in acreage, export sales and value in the province. And, did you know that Oxford, Nova Scotia is the wild blueberry capital of the Canada?
How does one appropriately celebrate this fun little blue fruit? With festivals, great recipes and cocktails of course!
The Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival
Held August 19 – September 3, 2016 throughout Central Nova Scotia the Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival has something for everyone, and blueberries for all. Picnics, markets, pie eating and baking contests and more will be a hit with any age. The blueberry fun awaits!
Taste of the Festival
Feeling hungry? Many locations on the Taste of the Festival feature wild blueberries on their menus, and sell them on their shelves.
Try the cross-cut seared short ribs with NS wild blueberry-port reduction, rosemary potato puree, sautéed ribbon vegetables and onion frites at Stubborn Goat or for breakfast stop by Sugar Moon Farm for Wild Blueberry Organic Grain Pancakes. To cap off the day stop by Jost Vineyard for Sangria — a beautiful blend of wild blueberries and apples brimming with ripe citrus flavours. Also visit: Wild Caraway, Masstown Market, Bistro 22, Nook & Cranny or Lokal.
Blueberries in your glass!
Blueberry Juice made with 100% blueberries has lots of antioxidants and is delicious! Try the blueberry juice from Van Dyk’s and you’ll be hooked. We’re celebrating wild blueberries not just now, but all year long with this Nova Scotia treasure.
Wild Blueberry Smoothie
Start your morning right with nutrition and great taste! Combining Fox Hill Cheese House yogurt, and Van Dyk’s wild blueberry juice makes this recipe one to try any day of the week. Add some fresh blueberries for an added sweetness.
Blueberry Inspired Cocktail
What could be better than your favourite wine from
Blomidon Estate combined with apple brandy from Ironworks Distillery? Dip into your stash of blueberry juice, find some fresh mint and you’ve got the cocktail of blueberry dreams. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh, wild blueberries.
Hungry? Think Blueberries!
Blueberries on their own make a fantastic snack, but when used in desserts, breads and even main dishes they really shine. Here are a few recipes for you to try at home: Lemon Bavarian with Wild Blueberry Gel, Blueberry Grunt, Blueberry Pie or Frozen Blueberry Dessert.
Featured image (Wild Blueberry & Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast at Sugar Moon Farm) photo credit: @mjstackhfx.