Feeling blue

Blueberries aren’t an iconic California crop, but we do grow them in the valley and the foothills. Find pick-your-own farms near Placerville for a berry cornucopia. These antioxidant power fruits are great in practically everything: cereal, baked goods, salsas, jams, pies and salads. Gulp them for a midday snack, smother your pancakes in warm blueberry compote or toss them frozen into lemonade and cocktails. Seek out tiny, wild, varieties for intense flavor. Or, look to Sierra Cascade Blueberry Farm near Chico, a producer that grows larger cultivated berries.