The blueberry season has arrived and it’s two weeks early, says local farmer Karam Dhanwant, but not too soon for those who love the tasty, antioxidant-rich fruit.
Raspberries are also available at his Port Coquitlam farm, although strawberry season is over.
Ankars, at 2952 Burns Rd., is one of a number of places Tri-City residents can go to get berries.
Tabitha McLoughlin of Coquitlam Farmers Market says blueberries are also available at the Coquitlam Sunday market in the parking lot at Dogwood Pavilion off Poirier Street.
“We do have blueberries at the market, and cherries, blackberries and raspberries. Even some soft fruits like apricots — things are so early this year it’s crazy.”
The Coquitlam Farmers Market runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. while the Port Coquitlam Farmer’s Market runs Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. at Leigh Square., where fresh B.C. blueberries are also available.
HEALTHY BERRIES
What’s good about blueberries? Plenty, according to researchers in Canada and the U.S., who consider them “super fruits.”
A good source of antioxidants, blueberries can help slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer, cardiovascular disease and loss of brain function. Blueberries also contain condensed tannins that help prevent urinary tract infections, and anthyocyanin, a natural compound linked to reducing eyestrain, according to the BC Blueberry Council.
A half cup serving of blueberries is the equivalent of a single serving of fruits and vegetables recommended by the Canadian Food Guide.
