It’s time for my favourite berry: the blue one! They are rightly declared to be a superfood: not just vitamins and fibre but plenty of polyphenols in those little fruits, the compounds that reduce inflammation and have antioxidant properties.
But health benefits aside, blueberries are amazingly tasty and versatile, not just in cakes and desserts as you can see below. They also last much better than other berries, and will keep in the fridge for a good few days before going squishy. That’s also why they travel well so, even though the more environmentally considerate of us buy local, it is not quite as bad to buy imported blueberries since they can be shipped by sea rather than air flown.
Here's my top ten of blueberry recipes, including cakes, desserts and savoury dishes.
Blueberry and cream sponge cake is a magnificent dessert. The base is an easy, classic Victoria sponge, filled with layers of lightly roasted blueberries and whipped Chantilly cream. It is easy to make but very impressive to serve.
Blueberry and cream sponge cake
RECIPE
You thought blueberries belonged only in muffins? Think again. Blueberry duck is an oven-roasted duck breast fillet served with blueberry sauce. Duck a l’orange is so last century! Simple blueberry compote flavoured with a hint of rosemary is the nicest sauce for duck breast.
This recipe proves you can make an upside down cake with any fruit as even the relatively delicate blueberries work well. The sponge is made with polenta, though note that it’s not a gluten free recipe. Adapted from Nigella Lawson.
Blueberry upside down cake
RECIPE
This is genius (if I may say so myself): pork loin, usually dry and bland, is roasted at low temperature which makes it unbelievably succulent. And it’s served with a blueberry sauce which is such a great pairing with lean pork, I’m amazed it’s not more frequently spotted on restaurant menus.
Pork loin with blueberry sauce
RECIPE
It’s a beautiful, easy loaf cake studded with berries, rich and velvety with a tangy flavour. Adding mascarpone to the cake mix makes it rich, moist and tender but fear not: it doesn't taste like a cheesecake!
Mascarpone blueberry cake
RECIPE
Sweet blueberry focaccia: that’s an unusual take on the usually savoury Italian flat bread. My blueberry focaccia is more cake than bread, excellent served for breakfast or with a cup of coffee.
You can also make cookies with fresh blueberries! These blueberry cookies are chewy and delicious, with fresh blueberries or bilberries (wild European blueberries) if you’re lucky enough to pick them. The cookies are easy and quick to make as there’s no need to chill the dough.
Another blueberry loaf cake, slightly more involved but super rewarding. Blueberry, almond and lemon loaf cake is a recipe by Ottolenghi with the sugar amount cut down a little by Cuisine Fiend. It’s still a masterpiece of a cake, with all credit to Ottolenghi.
Blueberry and lemon loaf cake
RECIPE
One of the best jam flavours without question: fragrant blueberry jam made in a small batch with a sprig of rosemary and a little balsamic vinegar. It is the flavour made in heaven, and it might be your all-time best homemade jar of jam.
Finally, the humble muffin, as blueberries are the perfect muffin material: holding their shape and not smushing through batter too much. My best and easiest recipe for blueberry muffins with buttermilk and light brown sugar. Aren’t they the best possible breakfast or brunch?