Blue (& Purple) Fruits and Vegetables

Have you seen a blue potato? Or tried blue watermelon? Let’s talk about giving new meaning to the “winter blues”. Blue fruits and veggies can be an awesome addition to your diet! Next time you are in the grocery store, go on a scavenger hunt and see how many blue/purple fruits and vegetables you can find. Be on the look out for: blackberries, blueberries, blood oranges, black currants, blue dragon fruit, cherries, blue olives, Concord grapes, pomegranates, purple cabbage, Indigo Rose tomatoes, blue corn, purple cauliflower, blue potatoes.

The Science & Benefits

What makes fruits and veggies blue/purple in color? A compound called anthocyanin gives blue fruits and veggies their blue/purple color. While more research is being done, it is believed that anthocyanins have beneficial health effects such as lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and slowing cancer growth. All blue fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants. An antioxidant is a substance that may prevent or delay damage to your cells.   These foods are also high in fiber and vitamin C. Fiber helps to balance blood sugar, lower bad cholesterol, and help with gut health. Vitamin C helps strengthen your immune system.

If you are feeling adventuresome, buy a new fruit or veggie!  Try it out either on its own or in a new recipe (check out Supercook.com) to learn how to incorporate some of your new found treats!