We're All Ears :: July Inspiration :: Blueberries

Blueberries -- Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

July's We're All Ears challenge is to create a pair of earrings inspired by blueberries.  Blueberries are perennial flowering plants with blue– or purple–colored berries. As soon as I thought about the blues and purples in these luscious berries, I knew what I would make.

The blueberries we eat today are a more or less recent invention. Prior to the 1900’s, only North American natives utilized the berry, which was only found in the wild.

Today there are three types of blueberry: highbush, lowbush and hybrid half-high. Blueberry harvesting season can be anywhere from late May through mid-August, depending upon the variety and your local climate.  When blueberries are in season, there are many farms that let families pick these plump, sun-ripened morsels.  It is fun to do some research and find a patch near you and plan a fun day with family and friends.

Some Picked Blueberries-- Photo by Farsai Chaikulngamdee on Unsplash

There’s no great secret to picking blueberries. Beyond the actual picking of the blueberries, there isn’t an easier fruit to prepare and serve. You don’t need to peel, pit, core or cut plus they freeze, can or dry for long-term storage if you don’t make short work of them as a pie, cobbler or just a snack. Best of all blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients.

Store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days. Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.

Blueberry inspired earrings by BayMoonDesign

The colors in blueberries are what inspired my blue and purple paisley ceramic earrings. The handmade earrings make fun statement dangles. These are vibrant and tropical in this seasons freshest colors. I added lavender and blue freshwater pearls as well as aqua crystals. The bell shaped ceramic by Scotish artisan Grubbi. These statement earrings have sterling ear wires.

Fresh fruits are one of the best parts of summer.  What is your favorite fruit?

Photo by chen zo on Unsplash

I plan to spend some time in doors this weekend and read the blogs of the other participants in this blog hop! Join us and leave comments in your travels through them.