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Botanical name
Vaccinium corymbosum is the most common commercially grown blueberry in present-day North America.
Description
One of the few fruits that are native to North America, blueberries are a popular berry that is frequently eaten fresh or dried. They are dark blue to purple-black in color.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Calcium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Folate
- Copper
- Beta-carotene
- Choline
- Manganese
- Phenolic compounds: quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and chlorogenic acid.
- Flavonoid: Anthocyanin. This gives blueberries both their blue color and many of their health benefits.
Health Benefits
- Bone strength
- Skin health
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes management
- Cancer prevention
- Mental health
Background and History
Many commercially sold species of blueberries are grown in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia, New Zealand and South American nations.
According to the Blueberry Council: “In the early 20th century, people didn’t think blueberries could be domesticated, but Elizabeth White, the daughter of a New Jersey farmer, was determined to grow a flourishing industry for cultivated blueberries. In 1911, she teamed up with USDA botanist Frederick Coville to identify wild plants with the most desirable properties, crossbreed the bushes and created vibrant new blueberry varieties. Coville and White harvested and sold the first commercial crop of blueberries out of Whitesbog, N.J., in 1916.”
Flavor Profile
Sweet, juicy, and a flavor description in its own right.
Pairs Well With
- Other berries
- Cardamom
- Lemon
- Hazelnut
- Ginger
- Chocolate
Storage
Store unwashed blueberries in the refrigerator for 5-10 days. For long-term storage, spread the blueberries out on a lined baking sheet and freeze for several hours until hard. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and place in the freezer, where they can be stored for up to a year.
Popular Uses
- Blueberries are sold fresh, frozen or dried.
- Jams and jellies
- In many baked goods such as muffins.
- Eaten fresh or dried as a quick snack.
- Added to oatmeal or your favorite breakfast cereal.
- Added to smoothies.
- Blueberry wine