When you think of the color blue, what comes to mind?
Blue skies meeting azure seas?
Tanzanite diamonds?
The endless depth of the blue lagoons in the caves of Tulum?
Food…? Not so much. But actually, there is probably more blue food than you could probably name.
What are the best blue foods? It’s time to find out!
Blueberries
Who doesn’t love blueberries! These delicious antioxidant-rich berries are not only good for you, but they make any smoothie or dessert look like it came straight out of a Pinterest ad (that is, if Pinterest had food on it, which it doesn’t that I know of).
Like grapefruits and plums, blueberries contain a pigment called anthocyanin, which gives this delectable fruit its blue hue.
Blueberries are loved all over the world because of their delicious taste and many health benefits.
So what are those benefits exactly?
A diet that includes blueberries regularly can see improved with memory function and learning because it increases the blood flow to the brain. Blueberries contain a variety of chemicals that help protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and much more.
This delightful berry not only tastes great but also protects your body and helps your skin look radiant. It is a delicious addition to salads, cereals, smoothies, cookies, homemade bars, and just on their own.
The blueberry is also delicious baked in desserts such as pies, pancakes, muffins, and much more.
Blue Lobsters
So, yes, MOST lobsters come out of the lovely fire-engine red that we know and love.
However, did you know that one in every 2 million lobsters comes out blue? Blue lobsters are not only incredibly rare, but they’re also super valuable.
Their blue color comes from a great amount of sky-blue protein known as crustacyanin and is produced by a genetic defect that causes the lobster to overproduce a particular protein pigment.
The thing that makes all this fascinating is that when boiled, their blue color morphs into a shade of reddish-orange.
Blue lobsters taste the exact same as their red counterparts. Blue lobsters are also very sensitive to light and will turn dark if they’re kept in the dark tanks or in water with low visibility, making them hard to find when trying to sell them in the seafood market.
The best way to enjoy lobster is fresh and lightly boiled. Fresh lobster tails make a spicy addition to salads, pasta and seafood dishes – or simply served with melted garlic butter or your sauce of choice!
Blue Starflowers
Blue starflowers come from a small but beautiful blue flower – the starflower. Starflowers originate from North America and bring to mind a low-growing flower with 5 petals and blue flowers.
They grow in moist areas at lower elevations and bloom between June and September.
Blue starflowers contain an anthocyanin which gives them their blue hue and is what makes them such valuable flowers.
Anthocyanins also give plums and grapefruits their colors and can be found in many fruits and vegetables like berries, cherries, eggplant, kale, potatoes, and more.
One of the best reasons to grow starflowers is to eat them. It adds zest and flair to salads, desserts, and even drinks. Freeze them in ice cubes to serve with gin and tonics at your next dinner party for a floral twist on a classic.
Indigo Milk Cap Mushroom
This is a beautiful blue mushroom that adds an earthy flavor to dishes. The stunning blue color does tend to go a little gray when cooked, so don’t be disappointed after throwing it into the frying pan. It is a great addition to soups and stews.
If you want to eat this mushroom, be sure to cook it well, as the raw mushroom tastes very unpleasant.
While cooking, avoid using any metal pots or utensils, as these mushrooms can react with iron and turn black.
Humans have eaten this mushroom for centuries and may have been one of the first cultivated mushrooms in Europe.
This fungus thrives in humid conditions and cool climates that are damp all year round. It’s usually found at the base of birch trees or among oak leaves.
The best dish to make with Indigo Milk Cap Mushrooms is risotto or pasta in a creamy sauce. Pair your creamy risotto or pasta with a chilled, light white wine for a delightful dinner on a summer evening.
Blue Corn
Blue corn is a type of corn that is naturally blue. Blue corn has a sweeter and nuttier flavor than other types of corn, and it is often boiled in sugar and spices. The best way to cook blue corn is in a skillet over the stove.
Many health food stores have organic blue corn that you can purchase in person or get delivered. Blue corn can be used to make chili, soup, or salad.
Blue corn can be found in most grocery stores in certain parts of the United States, but it may be difficult to find outside those areas.
Blue corn is used in Mexican cuisine and adds a lovely flavor to dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, casseroles, and tamales.
The best dish to cook with blue corn is blue corn pancakes. Blue corn pancakes are made with leavening agents such as baking powder and yeast to help them rise, which they do very well because of their soft texture that is reminiscent of cake batter.
Adirondack blue potato
This potato originates from the Eastern High Peaks region of New York State. The potatoes grow in high altitudes and are a deep blue color due to a mutation in their genes that makes anthocyanin, the pigment responsible for the purple-blue coloration.
In addition, they have a lovely flavor! This blue potato has a unique taste similar to a russet potato, which you can enjoy in any way you’d like.
They are a great source of vitamin C and Potassium, having 20 mg of vitamin C per serving and around 480 mg potassium per 100g serving.
But, don’t overdo it if you have high blood pressure! These potatoes have a lot of carbs! The low-carb dieters will have to stay away.
Some of the best dishes to use blue potatoes in are blue potato salad, blue mashed potatoes, or some dumplings. Blue potatoes go nicely with meat dishes, fish dishes, vegetarian dishes, and salads.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese gets its veiny blue lines from a mold containing a natural antibiotic called roquefortine.
The mold is injected into the cheese and then allowed to grow for about three weeks, during which time it also begins to turn blue and develop its distinctive flavor.
Blue cheese has a unique taste and is usually very strong and fragrant. It is the only cheese that cannot be eaten until it has been left to ferment, which means it’s pretty stinky before you eat it! It also goes great with fruit like grapes and pears and fruit cakes. Or why not try blue cheese ice cream?
Blue cheese actually has a few health benefits too! Did you know that it contains vitamin B12 and is a great source of protein? It also helps prevent cardiovascular disease – the blue veins help to ensure good blood flow around your body.
No matter how you like to eat your blue cheese – we’re sure there’s a tasty, healthy way for everyone!
Blue Marble Tree
The blue marble tree produces tasty blue fruit which is perfect for cooking into jams, jellies, pies, and cakes. This tree is perfect for small gardens due to its compact size of around 1 m tall.
The fruit itself is not only spectacularly blue but also smells good enough to eat, which you can’t say about all fruits! They are high in iron, so great for vegetarians.
Blue marble tree fruit has health benefits such as helping with eye diseases, preventing cancer, and staving off the effects of diabetes.
Make sure to plant blue marble trees where kids can’t access the fruit, as they are reportedly hallucinogenic when consumed in high doses!
Blue Pea Flower
The blue pea flower is a unique-looking flower that is not only edible, but it’s also actually quite delicious! It makes a welcome addition to salads, curries, or soups. They’re a great way to add a splash of color to your meal, too!
Adding blue pea flowers to your meal will not only add a unique flavor, but it will be good for you too! The benefits of eating blue pea flowers are that they are packed full of vitamins and will be good for your heart.
Conclusion
Blue food is not common, but it is actually very healthy when it is naturally occurring and can be a nutrient-rich addition to your meal. It is important to remember that not all blue food is healthy for you, however.
For example, some types of blue cheese and blue pea flowers are hallucinogenic when eaten in excess, so make sure you know what you’re buying before you eat too much of these!
Also, if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart problems, remember that some blue cheese and blue potatoes have high levels of potassium which can cause problems, so make sure you eat them in moderation.
Besides the health benefits, one great thing about eating a lot of these foods is that they are simply delicious to eat! So why not try incorporating a little more blue food into your diet to reap the health benefits.
Do you have a favorite blue food that I missed?
Let me know in the comments below!