Four Surprising Items That are Made with BC Blueberries

You’ll never believe what four locally made goods have BC Blueberries in them…

December is nearly here, and if you’re on your gifting game, then you’ve probably already started shopping for holiday presents.

If you or someone you’re shopping for is a fellow blueberry lover, then you’ll want to know about these locally crafted items and recipes, all made with real BC Blueberries.

Which item on this list is the most surprising? Will you be giving a blueberry goodie to anyone on your list? Share your thoughts on social and tag @bcblueberries. 

1. Foley Dog Treats

Does your pup love BC Blueberries? You may already know that BC Blueberries (both fresh and frozen) are safe for dogs to eat, but you can also buy dog treats that are made with BC Blueberries. Foley Dog Treat Company sells several dog-friendly BC Blueberry goodies. You can order these items online and have them shipped to your door, right in time for the holidays. Visit foleydogtreat.com to learn more about the following treats, all made with BC Blueberries:

• Whole Dog Organic Berries
• Vitality Dog Angus Beef with Fresh Blueberries
• FoleyBites Blueberry Chia
• Dog'n it Prairie Bison with Blueberry
• Rogan Paints Alberta Beef Liver & BC Blueberries

2. Plant Veda’s Blueberry Probiotic Lassi

Have you ever tasted a Lassi? Also known as ‘drinkable yogurt,’ this drink originated in India and can be made with either sweet or savoury ingredients. Plant Veda has a Blueberry Probiotic Lassi made with BC Blueberries, cashews, Canadian gluten-free oats, herbs and spices – and no dairy. The Blueberry Lassi is special because but it was a finalist for the 2021 Product of the Year Award presented by the BC Food and Beverage Association (Market Screener, 2021). Pick this up for your dairy-free friends this winter to treat them to a burst of blueberry flavour! Visit plantveda.com to order yours today.

3. Mariner Brewing’s Venture Blueberry Sour

If you’re in the market for a new craft beer, consider stopping by Mariner Brewing in Coquitlam, BC, to try their Venture Blueberry Sour. According to the Mariner Brewing site, this sour ale has been brewed with 1000 pounds of blueberries. Are you curious to learn what it tastes like? You can find a stock list of the Venture Blueberry Sour by visiting marinerbrewing.ca.

4. Bisque with BC Blueberries

Not all gifts need to be bought. Sometimes, the best presents come right from the kitchen! Since we’re heading into winter, it only seems right to start making soup. Our version of bisque has been given a blue flare by adding four cups of frozen BC Blueberries. You can make the Warm BC Blueberry Bisque by reading the instructions below, or by downloading the recipe posted on vancouversun.com.

Warm Blueberry Bisque

Yields: 8 portions

Ingredients

2 teaspoons (10 mL) oil

1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped shallot 

4 cups (1 L) fresh or frozen blueberries

1 cup (250 mL) vegetable or chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) fresh ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) ground allspice

salt to-taste

1-1/2 cups (375 mL) half-and-half

1 cup (250 mL) crème fraiche or sour cream 

2 tablespoons (25 mL) finely chopped fresh chives

Directions

1. In 4-quart (4 L) saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add shallots, cook until translucent.
2. Add blueberries, broth, nutmeg and allspice; cook over medium heat until the blueberries soften and begin to burst, 5 to 7 minutes. Cool slightly then blend until smooth; press through a fine sieve; discard solids.
3. Return blueberry mixture to pan and whisk in half-and-half cream. Simmer, stirring often, 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust seasonings as needed.
4. In a small bowl, mix crème fraiche and chives. Spoon bisque into 8 soup bowls and top each with 2 tablespoons (25 mL) chive-crème fraiche.

For more BC Blueberry recipes, visit bcblueberry.com and @bcblueberries on socials.