- Blueberries, belonging to the Vaccinium genus, comprise a group of over 35 species native to North America. In the Ericaceae family, which includes blueberries, there's another berry known as the bilberry.
- The cultivation of blueberries began in the early 1900s, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Elizabeth White and botanist Frederick Coville.
- Blueberries were indigenous to North America and have been a part of the continent's ecosystem for a remarkable 13,000 years.
- Countries in the Southern Hemisphere have significantly contributed to global blueberry production growth, accounting for nearly 40% of the increase.
- The primary blueberry-producing countries include the United States, Canada, Chile, France, Peru, Spain, Mexico, and Poland.
- A single blueberry bush can yield as many as 6,000 blueberries annually.
- In 2018, Lima, Peru, earned the Guinness World Record for the heaviest blueberry ever grown, weighing 11.28 grams (0.4 ounces) and 1.35 inches in diameter.
- Consuming blueberries has various health benefits, including a reduced risk of cancer, improved insulin response, and lowered blood pressure.
- Blueberries ranked at the top position in terms of antioxidant health benefits compared to over 40 fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Research conducted in collaboration between the University of East Anglia and Harvard University discovered that consuming one cup of blueberries per day enhances cardiovascular health.
- A single cup of blueberries provides 24 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.
- One distinctive feature of blueberries is their natural blue color, attributed to the pigment anthocyanin, contributing to their remarkable health benefits.
- Blueberries also contain copper, beta-carotene, folate, choline, vitamins A and E, and manganese.
- Individuals taking blood-thinning medications like warfarin should consult their healthcare provider before significantly increasing their blueberry consumption due to the high vitamin K content, which can affect blood clotting.
Learn more information about blueberries.
Uses, Nutritional value and Health benefits of Blueberries
References
- https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/blueberries-around-globe-past-present-and-future
- https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/garden-scoop/2019-01-19-history-blueberries-native-american-staple-domesticated-superfood
- https://www.bcblueberry.com/bc-blueberry-council/
Further reading
14 Interesting Facts about Blueberries
Uses, Nutritional value and Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries vs. Bilberries- Are blueberries and bilberries the same thing?
Blueberry Plant Information-How to Identify Blueberry Plants
Blueberry Soil Conditions and Site Selection
How to Cultivate Blueberries Professionally
Blueberries Propagation and Pollination
Blueberry Water Needs and Irrigation Methods
Essential Blueberry Fertilization Guide: Nutrients, Schedules, and Best Practices