Blueberry fruit

If you've ever had blueberry jam or preserves, odds are you've tasted this lovely berry. Lowbush berries are small and can be dark in appearance, but they have an impeccable texture and flavor, making them perfect for commercial canning. Although they are most commonly used for canning, they are also used for other purposes such as horticultural farming and the frozen food industry. According to the FEIS Plant Species Index, the need for this type of blueberry increased in the 1940s as the culinary scene began focusing on frozen foods. Overall, this fruit is a superstar when it comes to its characteristics. If you wanted to take a wild guess and bet that this berry is cultivated in Alaska, you would be correct. Additionally, it can be found in other surrounding areas such as Canada, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. What makes this berry so unique is that it is a hybrid variety, a berry with the genetics of blueberry and red huckleberry. The result of this is a beautifully juicy and tart fruit that is perfect for eating raw or even cooking. According to the FEIS, the history and importance of this berry go back in time; the Native people of Alaska relied on its abundant nutrients to nourish their bodies and survive through cold seasons. The Alaska berry has proven itself to be not only a critical food source but also a delicious one as well. The creeping blueberry is another fruit that grows in the wild but is perfectly edible. It has a rich flavor and offers flexibility beca...

Plump, juicy blueberries aren’t just delicious. They’re high in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Fortunately, for very little effort, blueberriesare easy to grow—if you have the right soil conditions. See our Blueberry Growing Guide to learn how to plant, care for, prune, and harvest your blueberrybushes. Did you know that the modern blueberry is a 20th-century invention?Before the 1900s, the only way to enjoy these North American natives was to find them in the wild. Then, scientists started to unlock the secrets of cultivating blueberries—and we’re glad theydid! • A relative of • Plus, blueberries are one of nature’s superfoods, crammed with essential nutrients, minerals and health-boostingpolyphenols. Types ofBlueberries There are four types of blueberries: highbush, lowbush, hybrid half-high, and rabbiteye. The most commonly planted blueberry is the highbush. Most blueberry breeding has focused on this species, so there are many varieties that range widely in cold hardiness and fruit season, size, and flavor. (Read more about blueberry varietiesbelow.) When to Plant BlueberryBushes • Blueberries can be planted in spring or also in late fall in all but coldest regions. In Zones 5 and below, it’s best to wait until early to mid-spring toplant. • If available, 1- to 3-year-old plants are a good choice. These can be bought in containers or bare-root. In either case, be sure to buy from a reputable nursery orwebsite. Choosing and Preparing a PlantingSite • Sele...