Since blueberries are in season, I am only buying the fresh ones. They are so good, I don’t even bother eating them with anything else.

These blueberries are from British Columbia blueberries. I found them at our local supermarket. Very plump and tasty.

According to the BC Blueberry Council, British Columbia has close to 17,000 acres of rich fertile farmland ideal for growing blueberries. This makes British Columbia the largest producer of high bush blueberries in Canada and the second top producing region in the world.

Blueberries have gotten lots of attention since being named as one of “superfruits”. Blueberries can help slow down the aging process and reduce cell damage. They are also beneficial to your heart health and brain function.

Here is a list of studies on the benefits of blueberries:

According to a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry - wild blueberries are higher in antioxidants than it’s cultivated cousin.

1998 Rutgers University study found blueberries (like cranberries) help treat urinary tract infections.

I’m starting to think any fruit with the deep dark skin or color are all very for your health. Especially purple Acai, purple plums and purple grapes.

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Ever since Açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries came into the health market, it’s interest has not slowed down. Native Brazilians have been eating acai berries long before the rest of the world knew about it. And to the natives, it’s just part of their daily diet.

My latest bar of Açaí Berry Superfruit handmade soap.  It’s made with acai berry extract. And also other superfruit such as pomegranate juice powder.  I also included organic beet powder and grape seed extract.

Acai has also found it’s way to the beauty industry too.  Some of Ikove Amazonian beauty products are made using Açaí as it provides a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help to combat premature aging.  It contains essential amino acid complex and valuable trace minerals.

The Acai berry extract or pulp can be added to anti-aging creams, after sun products, body creams and lotions. Science Daily News noted, “Acai berries are packed with antioxidants that are essential to assist our bodies as they help fight illness and reduce the aging process.” It’s just good all around.

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Since I am thinking of Queens, I just thought I should write about the Queen of Fruits - Mangosteens.  They are rare here in the United States.  I have yet to try the fresh version, but have had it from the syrupy can and also frozen (with skin).  I took a photo of them here.  They are usually packed and shipped from Thailand or the Philippines.

Mangosteens are consider to be a superfruit.  As we’ve noticed lately with the popularity of mangosteen juice sold as a health tonic drink.  The skin is used since it is packed with nutrients. I tried making herbal tea with the skin (from the frozen mangosteen), but it was awful. You can taste the tannin (substance found in many plants, including in grape skins, seeds and stalks). It reminded me of the taste of pomegranate skin.

But the real prize is inside. It has soft white flesh with an amazing taste.  They form little segments too.  It’s a little bit sour, but mostly sweet and smells really nice too.  And the seeds are edible, taste kind of nutty and soft.  I can see why anyone who has ever tried mangosteen loves it so much.

At one time (in the U.S.) they were ban from shipping the fresh ones in fear of spreading insects (Asian fruit fly). But I have heard that fresh ones are available at most Asian markets now.  I can’t wait to get my hands on the fresh version!

Orignially from Southeast Asia, the mangosteen is a fabulously deep aubergine colored, sweet fruit that is unlike any other I’ve tasted. The closest I can compare it to in consistency would be the lychee, but mangosteens flavor is richer and more buttery in my opinion. You can usually find them canned in syrup in specialty Chinese markets. The fresh fruit has only recently been allowed by USDA to be imported into the US because of fears that the asian fruit fly would be imported with it. - Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Photo from Nieman Marcus, $75

Maybe mangosteens are getting more popular in the beauty (perfume) market as well. Since fresh cosmetics even has a perfume named after it.  The smell is described as warm, musky blend of bergamont as well as Italian lemon, freesia, mangosteen, sheer peony, rose, and other floral notes. I think that might be a pretty good combination.

Mangosteen Eau de Parfum surrounds the juicy heart of the mangosteen with bright Italian lemon, sheer peony, and velvety peach. This luscious scent is truly mouth-watering yet sophisticated. The Mangosteen Body Care Collection is enriched with powerful antioxidants to revitalize and nourish your skin. - Beauty.com

This photo is taken by Hein Bijlmakers.  Check out all those mangosteens (in Thailand) - I love how they use natural biodegradable banana leaves as fruit trays.

Image source:

Flickr

Nieman Marcus

Resources:

Cleveland Botanical Garden

More great photos of mangosteens from bloom to fruit.  By Hein Bijlmakers.