Fun Facts about Blueberries

Posted on 20.09.202012.08.2021 by admin

Blueberries are one of the most popular berries in the the United States, and they are one of only three berries native to North America. Most people know how delicious they are, and increasing numbers are learning how healthy they are. But did you know…?

Blueberries have been around for thousands of years.

The darker a blueberry is, the sweeter the taste of the blueberry.

Refrigerator blueberries can last up to 10 days in good condition.

The most popular muffin in the United States is a blueberry muffin!

Blueberry season in the United States usually only lasts 45-60 days.

Blueberries have a cholesterol-lowering antioxidant called stilbenes.

Blueberries are the 2nd most lucrative commercial berry crop in the US.

Blueberries don’t ripen at the same time even though they are in clusters.

Blueberries are one of the few natural foods that are actually blue in color.

Fresh, frozen, or dried, blueberry still pack a nutritional and beneficial punch.

Early Native Americans would dye their clothing and baskets with blueberry juice.

Blue paint for woodwork was made with blueberry skins, milk, and sage blossoms.

Various antioxidants in blueberries has been shown to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Columnists in early America mixed blueberries with milk and boiled it to make great paint.

Blueberry harvest in North America starts in April in Florida too late September in Canada.

In the Civil War, Union troops ate blueberries that were collected, packaged, and sent to them.

Blueberries are considered a convenience food because they require no peeling, pitting, or hulling.

The United States of America produces more blueberries than any other country, nearly 90% in the world.

Early Native Americans often made jerky out of dried blueberries for sustenance for long-distance traveling.

Early Native Americans believed that the “Great Sprit” gave him berries to feed their children during a famine.

Early Native Americans used blueberry juice as a medicine to treat various illnesses including persistent coughs.

A study by Tufts University found that blueberries have more antioxidants than equal servings of all other fruits and vegetables.

Early Native Americans used to call to them as “star berries”, referring to five points on their blossom resembling a star shape.

Early North American explorers Lewis and Clark found that Native Americans smoked wild blueberries in order to preserve them during winter.

The beautiful blue-purple color of a blueberry comes from the antioxidant anthocyanin. Anthocyanin has been found to help prevent diseases and improve eyesight.

Reference