National Blueberry Muffin Day

Visit a bakery or get baking and share the joy of a fresh-baked blueberry muffin with your friends, family, or coworkers to brighten everyone’s day.

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Drive bakery foot traffic and home-baking ingredient sales in July with feel-good muffin-sharing campaigns targeting families and food enthusiasts.

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Share your best blueberry muffin recipe or bakery find on social media
Promote frozen blueberry bulk sales and baking kits for home bakers
Partner with local bakeries for limited-edition blueberry muffin specials
Create a 'muffin-sharing' challenge encouraging workplace treats and community bonding

History

The origin of the blueberry muffin is a tale of adaptation and culinary fortune. Once long ago there was a commonly used berry known as the bilberry, it was commonly used in all forms of baked goods throughout Europe.

When first arriving in the Americas, the pilgrims realized that bilberries were not native to this new land, and so it was that the blueberry was discovered and found its way into baking.

What a fortunate day it was for the muffin when this occurred, for it is without question that the blueberry muffin knows no equal.

But in order to make a blueberry muffin, one must know how to properly use the blueberry. You see, you can’t simply use any old blueberry. Fresh blueberries are delightful on ice-cream and sprinkled on pancakes, but have no place in muffins.

Frozen blueberries are convenient and can be used to make an incredible smoothie but alas they, like the fresh blueberries, turn to mush when processed in a batter. So for blueberry muffins, only dried blueberries will do!

FAQ

Did you know Minnesota has an official state muffin?

Yes, it’s the blueberry muffin. In 1988, Minnesota adopted the blueberry muffin as its state muffin to promote agricultural products and celebrate the state’s abundance of wild blueberries.

What’s the difference between bilberries and blueberries in muffins?

Bilberries, native to Europe, are smaller and more tart than blueberries. Early European settlers in America substituted bilberries with native blueberries in their recipes, leading to the creation of the blueberry muffin we enjoy today.

How do bakeries in Japan put a twist on blueberry muffins?

In Japan, some bakeries incorporate matcha (green tea powder) into blueberry muffins, blending traditional Japanese flavors with Western baking. This fusion offers a unique taste experience, combining the sweetness of blueberries with the earthy bitterness of matcha.

Is it true that blueberry muffins can be as calorie-dense as a slice of cake?

Yes, some commercially prepared blueberry muffins contain high amounts of sugar and fat, making them comparable in calories to a slice of cake. However, homemade versions can be made healthier by reducing sugar and using whole-grain flours.

Why do blueberries sometimes turn green in muffins?

Blueberries can turn green in muffins due to a reaction between their natural pigments and alkaline baking ingredients. To prevent this, bakers can use acidic ingredients like buttermilk to maintain the berries’ blue hue.

What’s the origin of the word ‘muffin’?

The word ‘muffin’ is believed to come from the Old French ‘moufflet,’ meaning a soft bread. This term was adapted into English to describe the small, round cakes we now know as muffins.

Are there any festivals dedicated to blueberry muffins?

While there aren’t specific blueberry muffin festivals, many blueberry festivals across the U.S. feature baking competitions where blueberry muffins are popular entries. For example, the annual Maine Wild Blueberry Festival celebrates with various blueberry-themed events, including baking contests.

Can dogs safely eat blueberry muffins?

While blueberries are safe for dogs in moderation, blueberry muffins often contain sugar and other ingredients that aren’t healthy for dogs. It’s best to avoid giving blueberry muffins to pets and opt for plain blueberries as a treat instead.

What’s a common myth about blueberry muffins?

A common myth is that all blueberry muffins are healthy due to the blueberries. In reality, many store-bought versions are high in sugar and calories, offsetting the health benefits of the berries. Homemade muffins with reduced sugar are a healthier option.

How can you prevent blueberries from sinking in muffin batter?

To prevent blueberries from sinking, toss them in a light coating of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend the berries evenly throughout the muffin during baking.