80 Foods That Are Blue (Discover a Colorful World of Blue Foods)

Are you bored with the same old foods? Looking to add some excitement to your meals? Well, look no further because we have an amazing list of naturally blue foods that are sure to impress! From vegetables and fruits to mushrooms, salt, algae, and even edible blue flowers, the world of blue foods is more diverse than you might think.

What gives blue foods their color?

The vibrant blue color of these foods comes from a group of beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols. Specifically, it’s the anthocyanins within these compounds that give blue foods their beautiful shades. But these compounds do more than just make your plate look pretty, they also provide exceptional nutrition.

The Health Benefits of Blue Foods

Anthocyanins, found in blue foods, have been found to reduce oxidative stress in the body and fight off free radicals that can cause disease. These compounds have also been shown to improve or even prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. So, if you’re looking to boost your heart health or prevent chronic diseases, incorporating more blue foods into your diet is a great idea.

The List: 80 Foods That Are Blue

Now, let’s dive into the exciting world of blue foods. We have compiled a list of 80 blue foods that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, mushrooms, blue salt, and even edible blue flowers. These colorful foods are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to any nutritious diet.

What veggies are blue?

When we think of blue foods, fruits often come to mind. However, there are also many blue-hued vegetables that you’ll want to start eating for their health benefits and protection. Here are a few examples:

1. Adirondack Blue Potato: This blue potato is a showstopper with its vibrant color and is high in anthocyanins.
2. All Blue Potato: These non-GMO blue potatoes are full of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy and delicious choice.
3. Blauer Speck Kohlrabi: This German turnip has violet-blue globes and tastes like a mix of broccoli and cabbage.
4. Blue Turmeric: Yes, turmeric can be blue! This rare species is used for its medicinal properties and adds a unique flavor to dishes.
5. Blue Carrot: Blue carrots, also known as indigo carrots, are not only visually appealing but also high in vitamin C.
6. Blue Curled Scotch Kale: This variety of kale is packed with antioxidants and has a sweet and nutty taste.
7. Blue Spice Basil: This variety of basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and works well in a variety of dishes.
8. Dazzling Blue Kale: These blue kale leaves are not only stunning but also loaded with vitamins and minerals.
9. Giant Blue Feather Leaf Lettuce: With crisp and massive leaves, this lettuce makes a great addition to any salad.
10. Portuguese Kale: This blue-green kale variety from Portugal has a mild flavor and tender texture.

These are just a few examples of the many blue vegetables you can incorporate into your diet to add some excitement and nutritional value.

What fruits are blue?

Blueberries are a popular choice when it comes to blue fruits, but there are many more blue fruits out there waiting to be discovered. Here are a few:

1. Baby Blue Hubbard Squash: This blue winter squash is not only visually appealing but also packed with beta-carotene and potassium.
2. Blue Bayou Tomato: These tomatoes have a deep blue skin and a flavorful red flesh, making them a unique addition to your dishes.
3. Blue Beauty Tomato: This beefsteak-style tomato features a blue top and red bottom and is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
4. Blue Coco Snap Bean: These striking purple beans are a French heirloom variety known for their vibrant color.
5. Blue Cream Berries Tomato: These cream-colored berries with splashes of blue are as delicious as they are beautiful.
6. Blue Gold Tomato: This gold cherry tomato features a blush of dark blue and purple, making it a stunning addition to any salad.
7. Blue Hubbard Squash: This squash has a blue exterior and a vibrant orange interior, making it a sweet and nutty treat.
8. Blue Java Banana: This banana variety has a unique flavor and consistency similar to a custardy vanilla dessert.
9. Blue Lake Bush Bean: These flat and purple beans add a pop of color to your meals and are delicious cooked or raw.
10. Blue Marble Tree Fruit: These blue-marble-like fruits are edible and add a fun touch to your dishes.

These are just a few examples of the many blue fruits you can enjoy. They not only provide amazing flavors but also offer a wide range of health benefits.

Grains that are Blue

Grains are another great way to incorporate blue foods into your diet. Here are a few blue grains you can try:

1. Blue Clarage Corn: This blue corn variety is not only visually stunning but also rich in antioxidants and protein.
2. Cherokee White Eagle Corn: This blue and white corn variety is perfect for making cornmeal or roasting.
3. Glass Gem Corn: This unique corn variety features translucent jewel-toned kernels in a rainbow of colors.
4. Hopi Turquois Corn: This blue corn variety is believed to have originated from the Hopi people and is perfect for grinding into cornmeal.
5. Kulli Corn: This blue and purple corn variety is known for its high anthocyanin content and is used to make a traditional South American drink called ‘chicha morado.’
6. Mini Blue Popcorn: These tiny blue ears of corn are perfect for making popcorn and add a fun touch to your movie nights.
7. Po’suwaegeh Blue Corn: This blue corn variety from New Mexico is typically used to make blue corn atole.
8. Utrecht Blue Wheat: This beautiful blue wheat variety is mostly used for decorative purposes due to its durability and stunning color.

These blue grains not only add a pop of color to your meals but also provide unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

Blue Fungi

Mushrooms are a favorite ingredient for many, and did you know that there is a blue mushroom you can enjoy? Here is an example:

1. Indigo Milk Cap: Also known as the blue milk mushroom, this edible mushroom features a vibrant blue color and is often used as a natural blue food dye.

With its unique color and flavor, the Indigo Milk Cap is a great addition to any mushroom lover’s repertoire.

Blue Salt

Did you know that there is blue salt? Here’s one variety you can try:

1. Persian Blue Sea Salt: This rare and ancient salt from Iran gets its blue color from the way the salt crystals refract light. It has an intense flavor and delicate aftertaste, making it a perfect seasoning to elevate your dishes.

Blue Algae

Blue algae may not immediately come to mind when thinking of blue foods, but it’s worth trying. Here is an example:

1. Blue Spirulina: This blue-green algae is rich in micronutrients and can be added to smoothies for a nutrient-packed start to your day.

Blue algae is a superfood that provides a range of health benefits, including being a good source of copper, iron, and vitamins B2 and B3.

Edible Blue Flowers

Edible blue flowers not only add a pop of color to your meals but also bring unique flavors and textures. Here are a few examples:

1. Berna Velvet Blue Pansy: These purplish-blue flowers are not only visually stunning but also add a special touch to your dishes.
2. Blue Borage: These star-shaped blue flowers taste like cucumber and honey and add a delightful touch to salads and sweet treats.
3. Blue Butterfly Peas: These flowers are perfect for making natural blue food dye or a soothing herbal tea.
4. Blue Hyacinth: With its oniony taste, this flower adds a unique flavor to salads and other dishes.
5. Borage: These beautiful blue flowers have a cucumber-like taste and can be used as a garnish or in teas.
6. Forget-me-nots: Though some species of forget-me-nots are toxic, the M. sylvatica species is edible and can be used in salads or baked treats.
7. Rosemary: Not only is rosemary a great herb for flavoring meals, but its flowers can also be used to infuse olive oil or add a beautiful touch to baked goods.
8. Thai Double Blue Butterfly Pea: These blue flowers can be used to make a natural blue food dye or to add a vibrant color to your homemade ice cream.

These edible blue flowers not only look beautiful in your garden but also add a touch of elegance to your dishes.

Conclusion

The world of blue foods is colorful, diverse, and full of exciting flavors. From vegetables and fruits to grains, mushrooms, salt, algae, and even edible flowers, there are so many blue foods waiting to be discovered. So, why not add a splash of blue to your plate and try something new? Eating the rainbow has never been more delicious and nutritious!

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