 True Name/ Common Name:
Blueberry – Vaccinium _____ there are a lot of species under the genus vaccinium. Description of Look and Flavor:
Blueberries grow in two main categories of bush: low-bush and high-bush, ranging in size from 10 cm tall to 4 meters tall. Obviously, low-bush are smaller and high-bush are larger, with corresponding berry size. The bushes flower tiny bell-shaped blossoms in white, pale pink or red. The fruit is a berry with a flared crown that starts small and green, then plumps to a reddish purple, and finally to a deep blue or purple. They are typically very sweet with varying levels of acidity. Growth Period/ Harvest –
The season for blueberries begins in May, peaks in July, and fizzles out in September or October. They are native to North America and Eastern Asia where they are both cultivated and harvested from the wild. In the southern hemisphere the season spans from December to March. Nutritional Info –
Blueberries are highly sought after for their cancer fighting antioxidants and tannins, but they also help to prevent Alzheimer’s and lower cholesterol and lipids in the blood better than some medications can. Most nutritional info is specific to high-bush berries, but recent reports suggest that low-bush may have even higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants than the high-bush. History –
Blueberries were brought to Australia in the 1950’s, but the first attempt to introduce them failed. Not until the second try in the 70’s did they finally “take root.” Argentina just joined the blueberry production market since the new millennium. Other Uses-
Blueberries are used in baking, juicing, and in fresh fruit salads. They are also a huge hit with the new fruit drink sensation known as the smoothie. Myths and Legends –
If you’ve ever been to the beach you know there is a distinct taste and smell there that you can’t get anywhere else. Well, some people claim there is a blueberry that grows in sandy southeastern U.S. soils, known as the “beach blueberry” or “sparkleberry,” that can bring the beach splashing back to your senses in a single berry. Interesting Facts/ Misnomers -
Because blueberries grow so rapidly and can withstand conditions, such as fire, that wipe out all the competing vegetation, they can create blueberry barrens where no other plant species can take root for miles and miles.
Maine produces 25% of all North American Blueberries. They grow so many that they have to truck in 50,000 beehives from other states to pollinate them all. |
