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A perfect summer recipe. Not only refreshing and cooling, but this fruit delight serves as a perfect remedy for people who are stressed from mental pressure or hot weather. Plus it tastes delicious!
Blueberries, one of my favorite fruits, come originally from northern Europe, but are grown today mainly in the US (blueberry’s smaller European cousin is the bilberry). Blueberries, like cranberries, contain an antibiotic-like compound which prevents recurring urinary tract and bladder infections. Blueberries are said to help with hypoglycemia, tinnitus, and are high in manganese, vitamin A, potassium, silicon and iron! And the blue pigment is said to be liver-protective. As if that’s not enough, blueberries contain natural aspirin, and anthocyanins which stabilize collagen and are used to treat fragile capillaries and varicose veins. Studies show anthocyanins are helpful in preventing cataracts and retinal degeneration too. We sell anthocyanins in the supplement department, but isn’t it nice to know we get them from food, and a berry that requires no prep before eating? Just rinse and pop those puppies into your mouth. Of course organic is the best way to go!
Serves 8
| 1 ½ quarts spring water | 1 cup sliced organic peaches |
| 1 organic orange, sliced thinly, peel on | 1 cup pitted organic cherries |
| ½ cup organic raisins | 3 tb organic lemon juice |
| ¼ cup diced, dried pineapple | 1 tsp orange extract |
| 2 tb tapioca pearls | 1 tsp lemon extract |
| ½ tsp sea salt | ¼ tsp cinnamon |
| 1 cup organic blueberries | ½ cup honey (or xylitol) |
Combine first six ingredients in a large kettle and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from flame and let cool. Add remaining ingredients, mix thoroughly and refrigerate. Serve very cold.
Of course if you use organic frozen fruit, the soup takes minutes to prepare. And a naturopathic physician I spoke to said frozen blueberries are actually higher in nutrients than the fresh ones…. We do carry 5# bags of organic frozen blueberries, which have no label because these are meant for food service. Many of you have already discovered them together with unmarked 5# bags of strawberries and more. Buying them this way is a cost savings for sure. Perfect for smoothies too.
