Partner Post: The Berry Best Recipes for Summer

Blueberries are becoming a staple in every summer garden, and for good reason — nothing says summer like the taste of fresh, homegrown berries.

Your own homegrown berry plants are a great addition to any outdoor space. They can grow freely in your garden or in compact containers, making them perfect for spaces of all sizes. With many easy-to-grow varieties to choose from, there’s sure to be a berry shrub you’ll love.

Not only are blueberries delicious, they also provide many nutritional benefits. They are low in fat and high in dietary fiber and antioxidants. Plus, just one serving of blueberries provides almost 25 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C.  So don’t feel guilty next time you’re eating blueberry pie that’s made with fresh berries!

Aside from all of these additional benefits, blueberries just simply taste good. While there are countless ways to enjoy homegrown blueberries, here are two of our favorite recipes.

Kale Berry Smoothie

For a burst of superfood power, try this nutrient-packed smoothie for a drinkable, healthy treat. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup kale, stems removed
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• Almond milk (or milk of choice)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a blender, combine yogurt, kale, banana, and blueberries.
2. Blend on high until ingredients are pureed.
3. Add milk to desired consistency and blend on low.
4. Pour in a glass and enjoy!

Blueberry Yogurt Freezer Pops

For a recipe everyone in the family can enjoy, try blueberry yogurt freezer pops for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Get the kids involved by having them pick the berries from the garden and then help in the kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lemon
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• ¾ cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups fresh blueberries

DIRECTIONS:

1. Rinse and then peel the lemon
2. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and sugar has dissolved.
3. Add the lemon peel, lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, then refrigerate until chilled.
5. Add the yogurt and honey to the chilled syrup and stir until thoroughly combined.
6. Fill freezer molds ¾ of the way full and freeze for about 40 minutes.
7. Add blueberries to the molds and top off with remaining yogurt mixture. Freeze for about 30 minutes, and then add Popsicle sticks. Freeze until solid, about 3-4 hours.

Try these recipes and many more this summer with your homegrown blueberries!