Blueberries (Vaccinium) are small round fruits with a thin dark blue skin, flesh of the same color, and small gritty seeds that are barely noticeable when eaten.
Health Benefits of Blueberries:
How to choose Blueberries: Look for the darkest blueberries you can find. The darker the blueberry, the sweeter it is. Avoid any blueberries which have wrinkles as this is a sign they are not fresh and may soon start to get moldy.
Climate and origin: With so many varieties, blueberries can grow in cold temperate to sub-tropical climates. Blueberries are native to both Europe and North America, and it is not yet known where they originated.
Taste: Blueberries vary widely in taste depending on variety. In general, blueberries have a mild taste that is a bit sweet or a bit tart, depending on how ripe the blueberry is.
Substitutes with more vitamins: Blackberries, Cranberries
Miscellaneous information: Huckleberries were the staple food of the Scots who used them to make wine, however, widespread cultivation of the blueberry quickly and completely replaced the huckleberry in their diet.
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Health Benefits of Blueberries:
- Increased Immune Function
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)Packed with antioxidants, blueberries have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, alleviate the effects of Alzheimer's, and may help prevent urinary tract infections. Furthermore, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and tannins found in blueberries have been shown to inhibit cancer cell development.
How to choose Blueberries: Look for the darkest blueberries you can find. The darker the blueberry, the sweeter it is. Avoid any blueberries which have wrinkles as this is a sign they are not fresh and may soon start to get moldy.
Climate and origin: With so many varieties, blueberries can grow in cold temperate to sub-tropical climates. Blueberries are native to both Europe and North America, and it is not yet known where they originated.
Taste: Blueberries vary widely in taste depending on variety. In general, blueberries have a mild taste that is a bit sweet or a bit tart, depending on how ripe the blueberry is.
Substitutes with more vitamins: Blackberries, Cranberries
Miscellaneous information: Huckleberries were the staple food of the Scots who used them to make wine, however, widespread cultivation of the blueberry quickly and completely replaced the huckleberry in their diet.
