Here at Welcome Home Brands, we celebrate both outside-the-box baked goods (tangy currants as a go-to fruit and/or goat cheese frosting) as well as the staples of baking (hello, blueberry muffins). Since the U.S. Department of Agriculture deemed that the month of July is National Blueberry Month, and since July 11 is National Blueberry Muffin Day, it seems fitting to (belatedly) pay tribute to melt-in-your mouth blueberry muffins.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture aims to promote “greater appreciation and use of blueberries,” and with good reason. You likely know that blueberries are healthy, but do you know the specifics of why? Their signature deep blue color plays a role: Foods that reflect the rainbow are known to have more phytochemicals, which boost health benefits. In fact, blueberries have more antioxidants than any other fruit, which further boosts good health, fights harmful free radicals, and can help lower disease risk.

To get the most bang for your buck, use fresh blueberries in your muffins in order to maximize nutritional benefits and to up the deliciousness factor. To further enhance flavor, consider a cinnamon crumb topping, load up on the sour cream for extra moistness, or add almond extract or lemon zest for a yummy twist.

Or, attempt to emulate the legendary Jordan Marsh blueberry muffin, with its boatload of juicy berries and sparkling sugar crown. These fabled concoctions were served to grateful shoppers — and passersby who visited specifically for the muffins — on the top floor of Boston’s famed Jordan Marsh department store, and recipes (and recipe variations) for this famed muffin abound on the internet today.

Behold the blueberry muffin!