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What are Blueberries?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Blueberries are fruits produced by the shrubs of the same name. As the “blue” in the name implies, these small round berries have a very distinctive blue to purple color. This North American fruit can be used in a wide variety of ways in the kitchen, and during the late spring to early fall season, blueberries are often readily available at produce markets. Blueberries can also be grown at home, although there are some special requirements to keep in mind when growing blueberries.

Blueberries have a sweet, slightly tart flavor, and they are amply packed with vitamins C and K along with manganese and antioxidants, leading some people to label them as a “superfruit.” They vary in size from around the tip of a pinky to the tip of a thumb, depending on the cultivar. Once picked, blueberries keep for seven to 10 days under refrigeration, although they can also be frozen for future use.

Blueberries along with strawberries and blackberries.
Blueberries along with strawberries and blackberries.

Some people like to eat blueberries out of hand as a snack. These berries can also be added to fruit salads, eaten with yogurt and granola, sprinkled into cereals, and baked into pies. Some people like to make blueberry preserves, while others press the berries for their tart juice. Blueberries don't just have to be eaten with sweet foods. Blueberry jelly, for example, can accompany various roast meats as a condiment. Blueberries can also be added to quick breads, scones, muffins, and other baked goods.

Blueberries contain high amounts of vitamin C and K.
Blueberries contain high amounts of vitamin C and K.

Blueberry bushes mature very slowly, generally taking around six years to really start producing. They don't require much space, which can be an advantage in a small garden, but they do need highly acidic soil, and this sometimes poses a problem. In areas with naturally acidic soil, of course, blueberries will thrive, but in other cases, the soil needs to be regularly amended to keep it acidic, and it can sometimes cause problems for neighboring plants.

Blueberries taste good with granola.
Blueberries taste good with granola.

Blueberries are hardy in USDA zones two through six, and once established, they usually do very well, as long as the acidity of the soil is kept high. Some people like to screen blueberries with netting to keep birds away from the fruit as it develops, and in cooler zones, blueberries may need to be wrapped at night in the event of frost. Older bushes may require pruning in the winter while the plants are dormant to promote healthy, even growth.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon40142

When I was a child in the Finger Lakes region of N.Y., I was taken with my brothers and sister to pick wild blueberries by my mother. She would make deep dish blueberry pies from these sweet berries.

I now live in N.Central Pennsylvania and can't find them anywhere. Some of the locals here call them huckleberries, which from my understanding is a taller bush (6"-18"), where wid blueberry bushes don't get much more than 11'-12" high. Does anyone know for sure? Or even better where to find them.

spasiba

Blueberry plants prefer soil that is acidic, porous and open.

Blueberries are full of phytonutrients that help prevent diseases and in effect keep our weight steady.

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    • Blueberries along with strawberries and blackberries.
      By: Elenathewise
      Blueberries along with strawberries and blackberries.
    • Blueberries contain high amounts of vitamin C and K.
      By: Brian Jackson
      Blueberries contain high amounts of vitamin C and K.
    • Blueberries taste good with granola.
      By: nito
      Blueberries taste good with granola.
    • Blueberries are versatile and add a touch of sweetness to quick bread recipes.
      By: dolphy_tv
      Blueberries are versatile and add a touch of sweetness to quick bread recipes.
    • Netting, like that used in vineyards, can keep birds from eating bluberries off the bushes.
      By: rachell
      Netting, like that used in vineyards, can keep birds from eating bluberries off the bushes.