Blueberries have a lot going for them. Not only are they portable for snacks on the go, but they are great in cooking and baking: blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, the list goes on and on. They are also rich in vitamin K, contain vitamin C, fibre and plenty of antioxidants. This cute little fruit tends to store a bit longer in the fridge than raspberries and strawberries, and are easy to freeze.

Here are a few simple ways to enjoy these versatile berries for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even as a drink:

1. Serve with salad

Fresh, firm berries make a great addition to a salad. Top your salad greens with crumbled feta cheese, a handful of berries and some vinaigrette and you are good to go. The salty cheese and a little sweetness from the berries really works. Recipe here.

2. Make a syrup

Cook berries with a few tablespoons of water until berries give up their juice. Cook with some sweetener of choice (sugar or honey) until dissolved or add the cooked berries to maple syrup. Serve on top of waffles, pancakes or stirred into yogurt.

3. Breakfast berry bowl

You know those expensive açai bowls? Basically, it is a thick smoothie that you eat with a spoon. They are simple to make at home with our own local blueberry superfood. Blend a frozen banana with 2 handfuls of frozen berries, ½ cup milk of choice, some chia seeds and a touch of honey. Have fun creating a masterpiece of toppings: a few more berries, some granola, extra chia seeds, sliced banana. Go crazy.

4. A berry shrub

This fancy drink and cocktail enhancer is expensive in stores but easy to make on your own. You mash berries with sugar, leave overnight, strain and add some apple cider vinegar. More detailed instructions can be found here. Serve a few tablespoons over a glass of still or sparkling water for a health elixir, or use in cocktails. Look at you, fancy pants, making a shrub.

5. Freeze them

I always try to put some berries away in the freezer for those dark days of winter when a pop of summer is desperately needed. Gently rinse them, throw on a tea towel and dry them off a bit. Then place the dry berries onto a lined cookie sheet and freeze. Pop them into ziptop bags or containers for freezer storage.

For more blueberry tips and recipes, check out the B.C. Blueberry Council website.