Tastemakers: Blueberries/Stoli Blueberi

Blueberries
It is the “heart” of the blueberry harvest in Michigan. Michigan ranks number one in the country in blueberry production, accounting for 30% of all blueberries grown in the United States. Recent research has shown that blueberries are great for clearing arteries and strengthening blood vessels. Blueberry consumption has also been attributed to improved vision, enhanced memory, stopping urinary tract infections, promoting weight control, reversing age-related physical and mental declines and having more antioxidants for disease protection then other fruits.
While all of this is great news most of us eat blueberries because they taste great. Here are some blueberry tips for year round enjoyment. Fresh blueberries last about 10 days in the fridge. When buying blueberries at your favorite farmers market or u-pick farm, buy/pick plenty and freeze for year round enjoyment but don’t wash or wet the blueberries prior to freezing. To freeze, place freshly picked berries on a tray as is and place in freezer, once frozen, put the blueberries in a freezer bag and keep frozen until use.
Blueberries go with and in just about anything. Try making blueberry smoothies or blueberry chutney for poultry or wild game dishes. Blueberries are also great infused in vodka (see BottomsUp) and make great desserts.
Blueberry farmers of Michigan you should take note that your P.R. firm told me they “were too busy” to provide any reference materials to assist with my research. Maybe it’s why our economy is struggling -- everyone is too busy? Anyways, don’t you be to busy not to seek out Michigan blueberries, they are the best.


Stoli Blueberi

Stolichnaya (Stoli) Vodka has been on the cutting edge of flavored vodkas. The popular Russian vodka maker a couple of years ago conducted a focus group with bartenders to determine what flavors would do best. Among the top was blueberry.
“The flavors category is driven by innovation,” said Susan Kilgore, Stolichnaya brand director, “Stoli has traditionally lead the field in new flavor introductions. Our focus groups and quantitative consumer research shows that Stoli is in sync with the market pulse. Bartenders selected blueberry as number one among eleven concepts tested and consumers seconded their vote.”
The company released Stoli Blueberi last year and it was quickly imitated by their competitors. Stoli Blueberi, while not infused, has excellent blueberry flavor and works well in several drink recipes. It is best enjoyed as is after a night in the freezer. Simply pour in a frozen glass and sip. While most martini drinkers wouldn’t dare add dry vermouth to their vodka, try pouring a little vermouth in your martini glass, swirling it around and dumping it out before adding Stoli Blueberi; the hint of vermouth makes a nice marriage on the palate.
Don’t forget the Michigan blueberry garnish. Use Stoli Blueberi for reduction in making blueberry sauces. To promote the vodka, Stoli had a recipe contest, and the winner was Blueberi Creamcicle: 2 parts Stoli Blueberi, 1part Stoli Vanil, a splash of Licor 43 and a splash of Blue Curaco (for color) and ½ ounce of heavy cream, shake several times over ice and strain in a martini glass. View On Our Website