If you're looking for a new superfood to add to your diet, look no further than the little-known Juneberry. With only 57 calories in a 100-gram serving, it's a low-calorie way to boost your health. This fruit is packed with nutrients that can help improve your overall well-being.
Juneberries are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help improve immune function and protect against disease. They also contain fiber, which aids in digestion and can help lower cholesterol levels. One study showed that consuming Juneberries may help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of Juneberries and provide tips on how to add this delicious fruit to your diet.
What are Juneberries?
Juneberries, also known as serviceberries or saskatoons, are small, round, purple or blue berries that grow on trees or shrubs in North America. They have a sweet, tart flavor similar to blueberries and are often used in jams, pies, and other desserts. In addition to their culinary uses, Juneberries have a long history of medicinal use among indigenous North American tribes. They were used to treat a variety of ailments, including gastrointestinal issues and respiratory infections.
How are Juneberries beneficial for health?
Juneberries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. Here are just a few of the many health benefits they offer:
- Rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against disease
- High in fiber, which can promote digestive health and reduce cholesterol levels
- A good source of vitamin C, which can boost immune function and promote skin health
- Contain anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer
Juneberry nutrition facts
Here are the nutritional facts for a 100-gram serving of Juneberries:
- 57 calories
- 1 gram of protein
- 14 grams of carbohydrates
- 3 grams of fiber
- 0 grams of fat
- 25% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C
- 3% of the daily recommended intake of calcium
- 4% of the daily recommended intake of iron
- Rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins
How to add Juneberries to your diet
There are many ways to enjoy the delicious flavor and nutritional benefits of Juneberries. Here are a few ideas:
- Add them to smoothies or yogurt bowls
- Bake them into pies, muffins, or other baked goods
- Make a jam or jelly to spread on toast or biscuits
- Toss them into salads or use them as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes
Other uses of Juneberry
In addition to their culinary and medicinal uses, Juneberries have other uses as well. The wood of the Juneberry tree is used in woodworking and can be used to make furniture, tool handles, and other items. The bark of the tree has been used to make dye and was traditionally used to tan hides.
How to store Juneberries
Fresh Juneberries can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you're not going to use them right away, you can also freeze them for later use. To freeze Juneberries, first wash and dry them thoroughly. Then spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze them until they're solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Delicious Juneberry recipes
Here are a few recipes to try using Juneberries:
- Juneberry pie
- Juneberry jam
- Juneberry smoothie
- Juneberry muffins
- Juneberry crumble
Juneberry season and availability
Juneberries are typically available in late spring to early summer. They're grown primarily in North America and can be found at farmers' markets, specialty food stores, and some grocery stores. If you can't find fresh Juneberries, you may be able to find them frozen or in the form of jams or preserves.
Possible side effects of Juneberries
While Juneberries are generally safe to eat, some people may experience allergic reactions. If you have a known allergy to berries or fruit, you should avoid eating Juneberries. Additionally, because Juneberries contain oxalates, people with a history of kidney stones should also be cautious.
Interesting facts about Juneberries
- Juneberries are sometimes known as Saskatoon berries, after the city of Saskatoon in Canada where they are commonly found.
- Juneberries were an important food source for indigenous North American tribes and were often used in pemmican, a high-energy food used for travel and as a winter food source.
- Juneberries are a member of the rose family, along with apples, cherries, and peaches.
- Juneberries are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Juneberries
1. What is a Juneberry?
Juneberry is a fruit that comes from several species of the Amelanchier genus, also known as serviceberry or Saskatoon berry. It is a small, round, purple-blue fruit with a similar taste to blueberries.
2. What are the nutritional benefits of Juneberries?
Juneberries are a low-calorie fruit that is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They also contain iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
3. How many calories are in 100g of Juneberries?
There are approximately 57 calories in 100g of Juneberries.
4. How can Juneberries be used in cooking?
Juneberries can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pies, jams, muffins, and sauces. They can also be used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
5. When is the best time to harvest Juneberries?
Juneberries are typically harvested in late spring or early summer, depending on the species and location. The berries are ripe when they are a deep, rich color and can be easily picked off the bush.