Pickleball Now Has an Official Food—and It's Not What You'd Expect

Pickleball, America's fastest-growing sport, has just announced its official fruit: the blueberry. Major League Pickleball has partnered with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) to promote the health benefits of blueberries among pickleball enthusiasts, encouraging them to incorporate more of this superfood into their diets for a healthy and active lifestyle. Kasey Cronquist, president of the USHBC, highlighted the synergy between the excitement of pickleball and the delicious health benefits of blueberries, aiming to motivate players and fans alike to "grab a boost of blue."

The partnership seeks to educate the pickleball community about the numerous health advantages of blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals in the body. Amy Moyer, a registered dietitian and assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, emphasizes that these antioxidants can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease by minimizing oxidative stress. This collaboration not only underscores the nutritional value of blueberries but also aims to make them a staple in the diet of every pickleball player.

To help enthusiasts get started, the USHBC suggests a variety of blueberry recipes, such as blueberry crumble, blueberry cupcakes with cinnamon streusel, and blueberry-oatmeal muffins. These recipes are designed to be easy to make and incorporate into daily meals, making it simple for players to enjoy the benefits of blueberries while staying energized and healthy on the court. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, this partnership hopes to reinforce the importance of nutrition in maintaining peak performance and overall well-being.