Talk about getting the word out. Officials from theWild Blueberry Association of North America(WBANA) in Old Town, Maine, have traveled out to California to promote blueberries and the benefits of frozen foods.

"Wild blueberries are one of the original 'Superfoods,' and are a staple in my diet," says Dr. Steven Pratt, M.D., senior staff ophthalmologist at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., world-renowned nutrition authority, and author of the best-sellingSuperFoodsbooks. "Eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables will help you fight oxidation and inflammation, two conditions related to many diseases of aging.

"Frozen produce, like wild blueberries, is a great option for people looking to fill their pantry with healthy foods. I use frozen wild blueberries almost every day making sure to get these super-berries into my diet for a boost of berry nutrition."

Dr. Pratt will visit the Wild Blueberry Association booth at theAmerican Dietetic Association's Annual Food and Nutrition Conferenceand will sign copies of his latest bookSuperHealth: 6 Simple Steps, 6 Easy Weeks, 1 Longer, Healthier Life.

In the spectrum of healthy fruits, wild blueberries stand out  for taste, small size and big health benefits, say WBANA officials. They cite industry research that shows wild blueberries have more antioxidant capacity per serving than most other fruits and help combat disease and promote healthy aging. Moreover, just a half-cup of frozen wild blueberries satisfies one fruit serving and is a good source of dietary fiber.

"We're going to step up our efforts to direct grocery shoppers to the frozen fruit case as one of the healthiest, and most colorful destinations in the supermarket," says WBANA President J. Kim Higgins. "The frozen fruit case is just as colorful as the fresh produce aisle when you think of all the wonderful berries and exotic fruits now available. We want to see retailers move berries into their own case, and see frozen fruit merchandised like frozen vegetables. Retailers and fruit and vegetable marketers have an obligation to make healthy eating a priority and frozen fruit is one area where we can make a difference."