North American Blueberries are True Blue

LANSING - Jul 7/05 - MFB -- The blueberry of the genus Vaccinium is a Native American species. Early settlers cherished the fruit as a staple ingredient in foods and medicines. They incorporated the berries into their diets, eating them fresh off the bush and adding them to soups and stews.

Many different names have been given to the numerous varieties of Vacinnium that produce edible fruits, such as Blueberry, Bilberry, Cowberry, Cranberry, Crowberry, Farkleberry, Patridgeberry, Sparkleberry and Whortleberry, to mention a few.

North America is the world's leading blueberry producer, accounting for nearly 90 percent of world production. The North American harvest runs from mid-April through early October, with peak harvest in July.

The blueberry is a true blue food. It derives its bold coloring from a high content of anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is a water-soluble pigment that imparts colors ranging from blue to shades of red.

To ripen blueberries, place an apple in a bag with the blueberries. The ethylene from the apple will cause the blueberries to ripen more quickly.

For optimal storage, blueberries should be wrapped tightly and refrigerated or frozen. Do not wash the berries before storing; this will cause them to get mushy. For best flavor and firmness, blueberries should only be washed just before serving.

Copyright (c) 2005 Michigan Farm Bureau