Blueberries
Blueberries go back a long way, and a relative of the blueberry plant is the oldest living thing on earth - more than 13,000 years old! During the time of Virgil and Pliny, blueberries were called Vaccinium - this still identifies the blueberry - and means cow! Were ancient cows blueberry eaters? Perhaps, like bears, the ancient bovines knew that blueberries were a feast - a true delicacy. When blueberries are in season, bears will eat nothing but the succulent, sweet, juicy blueberries.
Blueberries did not arrive in America via birds, ships or trouser cuffs! These terrific berries were here when the first settlers arrived - they were noted on expeditions. In the early 1600s, Native Americans were harvesting wild blueberries along Lake Huron - a pudding called "Sautauthig" was made by mashing dried, wild blueberries and combining this pulp with cornmeal, honey and water. Native Americans believed that the blueberry, whose blossom ends forms a five point star, were sent by the "Great Spirit" to relive hunger during famines. They used blueberries for medicinal purposes, and made a strong tea from the blueberry roots - the tea was used as a relaxant during childbirth.
Blueberries belong to the heath family - this family includes cranberries, bilberries, azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Blueberries grow in clusters, and range in size from a small green pea to a marble. Their color is blue to maroon to purple-black, and they have a white-gray waxy "bloom" that covers the surface of the berry, and serves as a protective coat. Blueberries are one of the strongest anti-oxidants available, are low in calories, and high in dietary fiber. Note: in a recent Tufts University analysis of 60 fruits and vegetables, blueberries rated highest in anti-oxidant capability - anti-oxidants destroy free radicals in the body. The anti-oxidant phytonurients in blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells that can lead, according to research, to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer - the blue-red pigments found in blueberries improve the integrity of the support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Blueberries contain almost 40% more free radical fighters than any other food.
There are over 30 different species of blueberries, with different ones growing through- out various growing areas: the Highbush variety can be found along the Eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida; the Lowbush variety can be found throughout the Northeast and Eastern Canada; and, the Evergreen variety throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Blueberries were cultivated in the US beginning in the 20th century, and became commercially available in 1916. The USDA on May 8th, 1999 proclaimed July as National Blueberry Month. This great fruit is now grown in 35 states, and over 90% of all blueberries are grown in the US. New Jersey is noted as the birthplace of the cultivated blueberry, pioneered by Elizabeth White
Blueberries are in their prime season in the summer months, and are mostly available year-round - New Zealand, Chile, Canada, Mexico supply fruit during the domestic off-season. Other names for this nutritious fruit are: bilberries, whortleberries and hurtleberries. Maine's state berry is the blueberry, and a Vermont native - Abijah Tabbutt - invented the blueberry rake in 1822! Blueberries are high in iron, and have been noted as helpful in improving night vision. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins C, E, and B2 (riboflavin), manganese, and very low in calories.
When selecting blueberries, look for berries that are firm and have a uniform hue colored with a whitish bloom. Shake the container - if the berries move freely, they are dry and generally fresh. If they do not, this indicates that they are soft, damaged, moldy and old. Avoid dull looking fruit that is soft or watery in texture - wet berries will decay rapidly. Do not rinse berries until right before serving - cleaning the berries will remove the bloom that protects the fruit from skin degradation.
Enjoy fresh blueberries while they are available in good supply - the summer months are the peak months for domestic fruit. Add them to fruit and vegetable salads, pizzas, smoothies, baked goods, as a fresh snack, with a good quality yoghurt. Be creative - blueberries are a true delight!
Enjoy