The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council launched a USA blueberry promotion at AEON Supermarket in Kuala Lumpur to demonstrate the fruit’s versatility.  Celebrity nutritionist Alexandra Prabaharan demonstrated how to make blueberry pancakes and smoothies.  Guests and media sipped blueberry fizzy drinks and were given pastries adorned with blueberries.

However, the big story behind U.S. highbush* blueberries is that they are tiny dynamos that contribute to wellness.  Reminiscent of blue pearls of health, they’re rich in dietary fiber, vitamins C, K, A, E and vitamin B group as well as valuable minerals such as iron and manganese, phosphorus and potassium.  They help improve memory; maintain healthy bones; and contribute to eye health.  They help fight aging, cancer and heart disease.

The United States is the biggest producer of highbush blueberries in the world, grown in many states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Michigan, Georgia, New Jersey and North Carolina.  The top U.S. export markets are Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Canada.   Malaysians are huge fans, and the States is Malaysia’s biggest supplier.  American blueberries are generally flown in, ready for sale in early July through the end of September.  Juicy organic blueberries also make their way to Malaysia.

*  Note – ”Highbush” blueberries are commercially cultivated and taller than “lowbush” blueberries which are wild.

By U.S. Embassy Malaysia | 28 July, 2017 | Topics: Agriculture, Events, U.S. & Malaysia | Tags: food, health, highbush blueberries, promotion