Blueberries

+Description

Blueberries grow in clusters and range in size from a small pea to a marble. The colour differs from being blue, maroon to purple-black. Blueberries are native to America. Each berry is covered with a white, dusty “bloom” that covers the surface, serving as a protective coat. The flesh of the berry is semi-transparent and contains tiny seeds. Blueberries have a sweet taste and a soft and juicy texture. Next to the fresh blueberries there are also dried blueberries available, which are in season whole year round.

+Availability

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Blueberries are available from Argentina, Chile, Marocco, The Netherlands, Peru Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland and Uruguay.

+Main nutrients

Antioxidants, Beta-carotene, Fiber, Manganese, Vitamin A, C and K.

Main varieties

Blueberries

The flesh of the blueberry is semi-transparent and contains tiny seeds. Blueberries have a sweet taste and a soft and juicy texture.
View Blueberries

Preparation

There are many ways to prepare the blueberry. Nevertheless every preparation starts with washing and removing the bloom from the berry. When this is done the blueberry can be eaten raw, cooked or converted into juice.

Consumption

Blueberries can be used fresh or dried and are commonly eaten out-of-hand. Blueberries are sweet and therefore popular for salads, yoghurt, juices, sauces and stuffing cakes and cookies.

When to eat

The size of a blueberry is not an indicator of quality or maturity. Look for berries that are blue or dark blue in color, these have the sweetest taste.

Did you know?

Colonists in America used blueberries to make gray paint.
Blueberries were at the top of the list of 40 fruits and vegetables tested for their antioxidant potential.
In Europe, the blueberry is known by several names. Scots call them “blaeberries”, while the English refer to these plump and juicy fruits as “hurtleberries”. The French call them “bluettes” or “myrtilles”, the Dutch “bosbes” or “blauwe bes” and the Germans say “heidelbeeren” or “blaubeeren”.
In America, many people mistakenly call the berry a “huckleberry” which looks a little like the blueberry.