blueberry

The blueberry is a plant which can reach a height of half a meter. It is part of the family group of the ericaceae and it is recognized for its fruits, which are also called blueberries.

Like the rest of the ericaceae, the blueberry has alternate leaves and flowers that are showy, in this case of a pink or whitish hue. The fruit, meanwhile, it is a berry highly appreciated for its flavor sweet.

The different species of blueberries are part of the genus Vaccinium.

The genus Vaccinium

In its broadest sense, blueberry is the common name of the species that make up the gender Vaccinium. This is why different kinds of blueberries can be recognized.

In general, when one speaks simply of blueberry, it refers to the blueberry. Scientific name Vaccinium corymbosum, its fruit is known in English as blueberry, a name that is sometimes also used in countries Spanish speakers.

The Red cranberry is the species called Vaccinium vitis-idaea. The fruit can be mentioned as cranberry, as with the large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon).

The wild blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), the blueberry agraz (Vaccinium meridionale) and the bright blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites) are other species that make up the gender Vaccinium.

It is interesting to note that blueberries belong to the set of so-called Fruits of the forest or berries, along with the strawberry (strawberry), the cherry, the cherry, the raspberry and the blackberry, among others. These food They grew wild in wooded areas and then began to be cultivated.

Blueberries make up the set of fruits of the forest.

Blueberry properties

Blueberries have flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins among their components. It is a fruit with a high level of antioxidants and a small amount of calories.

Among the benefits attributed to these fruits, it stands out that they contribute to memory care, collaborate with visual health, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, help control the blood pressure and minimize the consequences of infections.

It is important to mention, however, that the nutritionists are the professionals who must make recommendations related to diet and that doctors are the experts who have the scientific knowledge, experience and qualifications to explain how to prevent and treat any disorder of Health.

Ways to consume them

Blueberries can be eaten fresh, in raw. However, some persons their taste is somewhat acidic, which is why they prefer to ingest them as part of jams, sweet, sauces or other preparations.

Regarding the Red cranberry, for example, it is the ingredient in a jam very popular in Scandinavia. In this region, jam is used to accompany pancakes or cookies, but also as a topping for meats and sausages.

With blueberries, in turn, it is usually made ice cream. This product can be prepared at home, although it is also offered in many ice cream parlors. nations.

Another way to consume blueberries is by taking advantage of its juice or juice. Thus, the fruit is combined with Water and sugar. The fermentation of the blueberry, on the other hand, allows to elaborate wines, vodkas and other alcoholic beverages.

It should be noted that, by dehydrating fresh blueberries, you get Dried cranberries. Although they present a lower amount of nutrients, its durability is increased.