Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (2024)

Popular in cereals and muffins, blueberries have a delicately sweet, fruity flavor. Consumed raw, their particularly high antioxidant properties and other health benefits make them perfect for breakfast, as a go-to snack or in any other type of tasty blueberry pairings.

Aroma analysis: fresh blueberries

At Foodpairing®, we begin each of our studies of various ingredients with a thorough aroma analysis. This information enables us to determine best matches of fresh blueberries based on their aromatic profiles and the principle that ingredients that share key scents pair well with one another. Read more on the science behind Foodpairing®.

The findings of our molecular analysis of fresh blueberries is visualized in this easy-to-understand aroma wheel. As you can see below, the different aroma molecules have been broken down and sorted by category and labeled using more general, familiar ‘aromatic descriptors’ like fruity (peach), spicy (vanilla), floral (rose) and citrus.

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (1)

Blueberries and their aromatic pairings

The four main categories of aromas present in blueberries provide us with links to many other types of ingredients. For example, their fruity peach notes are similar to what we find in butter and cheese, therefore pairing well with bourbon and whiskey, passionfruit, peach and apricot, tomatoes, celery, artichoke, butternut squash and even meal worms.

“While our analysis didn’t find many fish pairings for blueberries, we did find that they pair especially well with gray shrimp and crabs.”

The spicy vanilla notes in blueberries also stand up to bold-flavored ingredients such as coffee, chocolate and toasted bread, while their floral rose-like scents pair beautifully with lychee, apple, raspberry, tomato and beets. These versatile, little berries also contain a distinct citrus scent, which provides a natural link to oranges, Aclla® cress, lemongrass, cilantro, laurel, huacatay and certain gins.

Our Foodpairing® analysis reveals other secondary aromas, for example, the herbal notes of a blueberry’s peel. If you refer to the diagram above, you’ll see that blueberries also have a certain malty scent, which pairs well with cherries, almonds, apples, apricots, blackberries, bananas, lychees, avocados and elderflower.

Ingredient pairings for blueberries

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (2)

Discover your own fresh blueberry pairings with our Foodpairing® Inspiration Tool by subscribing now. Already have an account? Log in.

blueberry – ajo blanco – celeriac – langoustines

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (3)

blueberry – duck – celeriac – black garlic jus

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (4)

blueberry – cardamom – coconut cream – lemongrass

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (5)

blueberry – parsnip – cardamom – rosemary

Curious to learn how to pair other ingredients? Visit the ingredient section of our blog!

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing (2024)

FAQs

Surprising blueberry pairings - Foodpairing? ›

Blueberries and their aromatic pairings

What enhances the flavor of blueberries? ›

Apparently, coriander. The dried seeds of this common garden herb pack considerably more linalool than lavender does (the flavor's more subtle, too, so, it's a little easier to cook with). Blueberries, too. In fact, linalool is one of the key terpenes used when laboratories synthesize the flavor of blueberries.

What are the sidekicks of blueberries? ›

Sidekicks: purple grapes, cranberries, boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries, currants, cherries, and all other varieties of fresh, frozen, or dried berries. Eat at least 1 to 2 cups daily.

What compliments blueberries? ›

What Goes Well with Blueberry? Apricot, artichoke, banana, beetroot, blackberry, celeriac, celery, coconut, corn, daikon, elderberry, feijoa, ginger, honeydew, kiwi, lemon, lettuce, lime, lychee, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, peach, pumpkin, radish, raspberry, rhubarb, spinach, strawberry, watermelon, zucchini.

How to intensify blueberry flavor? ›

Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest

The zest of one lemon and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice are all you need to elevate the flavor. Just add the juice and zest to your blueberry muffin mix and bake as usual. The lemony tang adds a new flavor profile and you might never make blueberry muffins without lemon juice again.

How do you perk up blueberries? ›

Macerating—soaking or steeping in liquid and/or sweetener—is one of the easiest and fastest ways to doctor up sub-par berries. Toss them in sugar, honey, or maple syrup, along with a little fresh juice or alcohol (an herbal liqueur, like elderflower spirit, would be great).

What cheese pairs well with blueberries? ›

Blueberries and Feta: The tartness of blueberries pairs nicely with the salty and tangy taste of feta cheese, creating a delicious contrast. Cherries and Asiago: The nutty and slightly sharp flavor of Asiago cheese can contrast nicely with the sweet and tart taste of cherries.

How can I make my blueberries more flavorful? ›

The simplest is simply to macerate them with sugar. Mix the berries with a few tablespoons of sugar and some citrus zest. Blueberries pair well with lime but orange or lemon would work as well. You'll want to mash a few berries to release the juice but leave most of them whole.

Is it OK to eat blueberries and bananas together? ›

Gunter Kuhnle, professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Reading, said: “Don't mix bananas with berries if you want to have the benefit of flavanols.” “Flavanols can reduce the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline – you should try to get between 400 and 600 mg per day.

What meat goes well with blueberries? ›

Blueberries and Steak

Sweet and salty are well-known companions, and this is no exception. We recommend putting this sauce on the flank steak, New York strip, or tri-tip. Tip: Don't be afraid to use the same blueberry sauce on pork as well. Sweet marinades and sauces are perfect for pork chops or other cuts.

What is the king of blueberries? ›

Peru has broken through in the world of forest fruits. The South American country has become the main exporter of blueberries on the planet, surpassing great powers such as the U.S., Canada and Chile.

What happens to your body when you eat blueberries every day? ›

Blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins, which are known to help reduce the risk of chronic disease. According to a 2020 review in Advances in Nutrition, these compounds combat oxidative stress and inflammation—two significant factors in developing chronic disease.

What should I eat blueberries with? ›

Your favorite oatmeal or cereal offers one of the best ways to eat blueberries – giving you a serving of fruit and boosting your fiber intake. It's quick and easy!

What tastes good with berries? ›

Harnessing the aromatic flavors of herbs with the sweet delicate flavors of berries isn't tricky, but it is a balancing act. Rosemary and sage can take over, lavender can go from light perfume to heavy soap, and mint can make a mouthwash of dessert.

Are blueberries and chocolate a good combination? ›

Blueberries: The slightly sweet, slightly tart taste of blueberries complements dark chocolate perfectly. Pears: The delicate, sweet flavour of pears balances the intensity of dark chocolate, making it an interesting and delicious pairing.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 5792

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.