As the seasons change, you can expect perfect blueberries very soon. They’re unique, delicious fruits, making them the best options for a summertime treat.

Blueberries are incredibly versatile and they offer fantastic health benefits. Whether you add them to your favorite salad or the tops of your pancakes, blueberries make any dish tastier. You won’t want to miss these blueberry recipes to try this summer, especially if you grow them yourself.

Blueberry-Lemon Iced Tea

This unique spin on iced tea brings a refreshing touch to any summer cookout. Your friends and family will love this delectable drink and beg you for the recipe!

You’ll need:

• 16 oz. fresh or frozen blueberries
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 4 cups of water
• ½ cup of lemon juice
• 3-4 large tea bags

Directions:

1. Begin by bringing the blueberries and lemon juice to a boil. Cook for approximately five minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat, and strain the mixture into a bowl through a fine wire mesh strainer. Discard the solids left behind.
3. Bring the water to a boil and add the tea bags. Let stand for up to 10 minutes, then remove and discard the tea bags.
4. Stir in the sugar and juice mixture. Transfer into a pitcher, and chill for at least one hour.
5. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Blueberry Cornmeal Cake

Cornmeal cake is a staple for any barbeque or cookout, and adding blueberries makes it a super sweet dish. Whether your berries are fresh or frozen, you can pull this one off without a hitch.

You’ll need:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 ½ cup  flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup medium-grind cornmeal
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cup blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter your pan.
2. Beat sugar and butter together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by lemon zest. Beat until the mixture is uniform.
3. Stir together all dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add some to the butter mixture. Add buttermilk, then the rest of the dry ingredients. Continue beating until smooth.
4. Pour batter into the cake pan and sprinkle the top with blueberries.
5. Bake for approximately 50 minutes and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Blueberry Ice Cream

Making blueberry ice cream at home is very simple. You can make this whether you have an ice cream maker or not.

You’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 cups of sugar
• 2 tbsp of water
• 4 cups half-and-half cream

Directions:

1. Combine blueberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves.
2. Pour the mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl. Discard solids and stir in the cream.
3. Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight.
4. Fill cylinder and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze for 2-4 hours or until firm.
5. Scoop and enjoy!

When you know how to harvest blueberries without causing damage, you’ll have enough for all of these blueberry recipes to try this summer. Your friends and family will love these summertime dishes!