Blueberries

Blueberries belong to a group of flowering plants. The species are native to North America and eastern Asia. The two major types available in the
United States are wild blueberries (lowbush) and cultivated blueberries (highbush). Wild blueberries are one of just three berries native to North
America; the others are cranberries and Concord grapes.

Native Americans have gathered blueberries from the woods and bogs for generations and were the first to make preserves from blueberries, and
to use blueberry juice to dye clothing. Colonists learned to dry blueberries from the Wampanoag Indians. Blueberry juice became an important
staple for Civil War soldiers to protect themselves against scurvy.

 Should I Eat Blueberries?

Because wild blueberries contain less water and are smaller than highbush varieties, they tend to be more nutrient-dense when comparing equal
volumes. There are 1,600 wild blueberries to the pound, compared to 500 of the cultivated blueberries. Fresh blueberries have an Oxygen Radical
Absorption Capacity (ORAC) value of 2400 per 100 grams. Blueberries are rich in phytochemicals such as phenolic acid, anthocyanins (the
pigments that make blueberries blue), and ellagic acid, a natural compound that may inhibit tumor growth. Fresh and frozen blueberries contain
high amounts of anthocyanins but very little is found in dried forms.

Home Remedies

Native Americans found that blueberries helped reduce morning sickness, coughs, and headaches. The leaves were used to make tea and were
thought to help purify the blood.

Lifesaver!

MEMORY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION: Animal research has shown promise for using blueberry extract in the areas of improving balance,

coordination, and memory, even in those challenged with Alzheimer’s disease.

CANCER: Several studies have reported promising results for compounds in blueberries as effective inhibitors of cancer. Both wild and

cultivated blueberries were found to be effective in inhibiting androgen-sensitive prostate cancer.

ANTIBACTERIAL: Blueberries, like cranberries, contain compounds that prevent the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from

attaching to the bladder wall.

HEART HEALTH: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, the University of Maine, Orono, and the School of Medicine at the University

of Louisville, Kentucky, found that blueberries may help protect against cardiovascular disease. According to researchers at the University of
Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada, rats fed diets containing wild blueberries for six weeks experienced decreased stroke-induced brain
damage.

Tips on Using Blueberries

SELECTION AND STORAGE:

• Fresh blueberries should be deep blue and covered with a chalky white “bloom.”
• Check for damp, moldy, or decayed berries.
• Frozen blueberries should move freely in the bag. If they are frozen in one clump, most likely they have been thawed and refrozen.
• Blueberries will last for seven to ten days if refrigerated.
• Do not wash the berries before storing.
• For freezing, spread unwashed berries on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer until the berries are frozen, then transfer to a plastic freezer
bag. They’ll keep for up to a year.

PREPARATION AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Rinse fresh blueberries and pat dry.
• Frozen berries don’t need to be washed before eating. Let thaw at room temperature before adding them to uncooked dishes.
• When adding fresh berries to batter, dust them first with flour, to keep them from settling.
• Toss some in a salad or on cereal, eat as a snack, or make a blueberry pie!