The blueberry-blueberry difference can be confusing. In this blog, I explain what makes them unique and what they have in common!
Do you know the Blueberry Blueberry Difference? 🤔 Many of us reach for these tasty berries in the fruit department without realizing that they can be found in more than just the names. While some see them simply as delicious snacks, blueberries and bilberries hide interesting Secrets, that need to be discovered.
In this article, we'll take a closer look. I'll tell you everything you need to know about the Berries should know and what really interesting could be. I get to the bottom of many questions. 🍇
Have you ever wondered why blueberries are used in some recipes and blueberries in others? Or why some people prefer one variety to another? Let's find out together now!
You will be amazed at the differences between the two blue berries.
Table of contents
What distinguishes blueberries from bilberries?
Now let's get to the bottom of the "big secret" of what the two really different. We take a closer look at each berry:
What you need to know about the blueberry
Blueberries, also known as Cultivated blueberriesoriginally come from the eastern North America.
The plant is a perennial shrub that grows to a height of between 180 and 365 cm. Its fruits are not real berries, but Mock berries. Its leaves are elliptical or ovate, 1 to 3.5 cm long and slightly waxy at the tip. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that are arranged in umbels.
If you look at the fruits, you will see that they are blue to black and fleshy. Technically speaking, they are fake berries. The flesh is light green to white in colorsometimes with violet reflections.🫐
Blueberries have a fresh and slightly sweet taste. They are known for their versatility. Compared to wild blueberries, they tend to be less intense in taste. The cultivated blueberries that are commonly found in the trade usually have a less intense aroma than the wild varieties. The fruits are significantly larger.
Blueberries are what you can buy in the fruit section of the supermarket. You can put a bush on your balcony or grow them in the garden.
What you need to know about blueberries
Blueberries, often called Wild blueberries are widespread in various regions of the northern hemisphere, especially in Europe and North America. They are the wild form of blue berries and thrive in nutrient-poor, acidic soils. Blueberry plants are often found in Heath and Moorland landscapes and in sparse forests. In mountainous regions, they are often found in the subalpine and alpine altitudes.
The blueberry plant is a small shrub, which usually does not grow very tall. Its leaves are small and typically green in color. Its flowers are usually white and bell-shaped, which gives the plants a delicate appearance.
The fruits of the blueberry are known for their characteristic dark blue to black color and the bluish frosting on the skin. In contrast to cultivated blueberries (blueberries), they have a dark blue to purple flesh. This is particularly noticeable when you go to collect them - the fingers turn dark purple. The berries are small and round, although the size depends on the species.
The taste of blueberries sweet and aromatic, with a pleasant acidity. They are known for their intense, fruity taste, which makes them a popular ingredient in the kitchen. 🫐🍃
Also interesting contributions for you
- This fruit deacidifies your body!
- That is why dried blueberries are the best remedy for diarrhea
- Fruit for weight loss that is especially delicious!
What vitamins and nutrients do the berries contain?
Now you know the Difference of the two Berries and can now tell them apart in the supermarket and in your kitchen.
But did you know how healthy they actually are? Find out now what nutrients and vitamins the berries contain!
How healthy the blueberry is
Blueberries are known for their healthy properties and contain a large number of Vitamins and Nutrients. They are an excellent source of Dietary fiber and vitamin C and also contain important Minerals such as potassium, calcium and antioxidants.
This is all a bit much, which is why I have made a clear table for you:
| Vitamins | |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | eyesight and immune system. |
| Vitamin B1 | Energy metabolism and nervous system. |
| Vitamin B2 | Energy metabolism and nervous system. |
| Vitamin B6 | Protein metabolism and nervous system. |
| Vitamin C | Strengthens the immune system and has an antioxidant effect. |
| Vitamin E | Protects the cells from oxidative stress. |
| Niacin | Energy production from food. |
| Nutrients | |
| Iron | Blood formation and oxygen transport. |
| Zinc | Immune system and wound healing. |
| Magnesium | Muscles, nerves and bones. |
| Chloride | Fluid balance and acid-base balance. |
| Calcium | Bones and teeth. |
| Phosphorus | Bones and energy production. |
| Sulfur | Formation of collagen and keratin. |
| Potassium | Function of muscles and heart, regulates blood pressure. |
Blueberries have these vitamins
Blueberries are known for their numerous health benefits and contain a variety of Vitamins and Nutrients.
They are an excellent source of Dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and contain important Minerals like Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Iron.
Here you can find everything at a glance:
| Vitamins | |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | eyesight and immune system. |
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant, skin protection. |
| Niacin (vitamin B3) | Energy production from food. |
| Vitamin C | Strengthens the immune system, antioxidant. |
| Vitamin K | Blood clotting, bone health. |
| Nutrients | |
| Iron | Blood formation, oxygen transport. |
| Zinc | Immune system, wound healing. |
| Magnesium | Muscles, nerves, bones. |
| Calcium | Bones and teeth. |
| Potassium | Muscle function, heart health, blood pressure regulation. |
| Phosphorus | Bones, energy production. |
The difference is hardly in the type of vitamins and nutrients, but much more in the quantity and composition. Blueberries are healthier than blueberries because their secondary and particularly healthy plant substances have not yet been bred out.
Blueberries and bilberries have these health benefits
Although there is a blueberry-blueberry difference, these small berries are both real powerhouses when it comes to nutrients. They are rich in Vitaminsin particular Vitamin C and Vitamin Ewhich strengthen your immune system and protect your cells from oxidative stress.
They also contain important Minerals like Calcium, Potassium and Magnesiumwhich are good for everything from bone health to heart function.
But the real star in these berries are the Anthocyanins. These are the pigments that give the berries their beautiful blue color. These substances are not only pretty to look at, but also have strong antioxidant properties.🫐💪🏼
They help your body, ward off free radicals, which can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and slow down the ageing process of the skin.
Studies have shown that the Regular consumption of blueberries and bilberries to your is good for the heart. They can help lower blood pressure and even reduce the risk of heart disease. This is especially important when you consider that Heart disease worldwide one of the Main causes of death are.
These berries are also a gift for your brain. They can help to improve your Brain functions at improve and sharpen your memory. Studies have shown that blueberries help to delay mental decline, especially in older people.
Blueberries even help against diarrhea! Find out more now!
Important: Wild berries are always healthier than cultivated varieties
As with all fruits, wild forms are always healthier. They contain more secondary, plant-based active ingredients. In many cultivated forms, precisely these healthy ingredients have been bred out. This makes the fruit sweeter and contains less acid and bitter substances. What sounds very tasty at first, however, has major health disadvantages for us.
Secondary, plant-based active ingredients are known to combat inflammation in the body. In the case of the two blue berries, we are talking about anthocyanins - the blue pigment in the fruit flesh. In blueberries, only the skin itself is dark, while blueberries also have dark blue to purple flesh.
You can collect them in the woods from June to July (depending on the weather). I like to make jam with them, dry them for muesli or as Home remedy for diarrhea. You can also freeze them and use them for baking or smoothies.
You can find wild blueberries in the frozen food section of some supermarkets.
Can the berries also be harmful?
If you overdo it with the consumption of blueberries, you could also Undesirable side effects occur. The cultivated blueberry contains quite a lot of sugar.
In large quantities, this can increase blood sugar levels and lead to Digestive complaints such as bloating, flatulence or diarrhea.
Interestingly, small amounts of blueberries can relieve diarrhea, while large amounts can have a laxative effect. Excessive consumption can also lead to Headache or Skin rash lead.
The wild blueberry contains natural Salicylic acid, the same material that is used in Aspirin is. Therefore, people with a Incompatibility against salicylic acid, it is better to avoid the berries, otherwise Headaches, gastrointestinal problems and Rash can come.
How do you grow berries properly in the garden?
The Blueberry Blueberry Difference we can put the cultivation and harvesting on the back burner: The two are not that different.
Choice of location and soil are the be-all and end-all. Blueberries love acidic, loose and humus-rich, moist soil with a pH value between 4 and 5. You can use special rhododendron soil for this. Try to recreate forest conditions - i.e. shade and mossy, moist soil.
My colleague Lydia has tried several times to grow wild blueberries at home - it has never worked. In any location.
The situation is different with cultivated blueberries. They love sunny spots that are somewhat sheltered from the wind and grow just about anywhere. 🌬️🍃
When planting, you should note that a Planting hole of about one meter wide and 40 to 50 cm deep is ideal. Make sure the plants not too deep otherwise the roots will not get any oxygen. A planting distance of 1.5 to 2 meters between the shrubs is recommended to ensure sufficient air circulation.
Important to know: Blueberries and Blueberries are sensitive to lime. It is therefore best to use soft, low-lime water such as rainwater for watering. If you use tap water, let it settle first to reduce the lime content. The soil should always be kept moist, but avoid waterlogging.❌
At Fertilize are both berries also something tricky. Use special blueberry or rhododendron fertilizer and avoid compost or manure, as they often contain too much lime and are too "sharp". Fertilizing in spring is ideal to give the plants a good start to the season. Homemade fertilizer from nettles!
The Cut of blueberries is quite simple. You should plant old shoots about every four to five years close to the ground cut off, to rejuvenate the plant. Avoid cutting young shoots, however, as they bear the best berries. Overwintering outdoors is possible, but in colder regions or during harsh winters, it may make sense to grow them in pots and move them indoors in winter 🪴.
What dishes are blueberries and bilberries good for?
Blueberries and bilberries are real all-rounders in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some ideas on how you can use these berries in your kitchen. 🫐🍴
Blueberries and bilberries are excellent in Bakery products. Think of classic Blueberry muffins or Blueberry cake. They not only give the cakes a wonderful freshness, but also a wonderful color. Or how about a summery Blueberry tart? The fine shortcrust pastry and the fruity filling are a real taste sensation.
But these berries can be used for more than just sweet treats. They are also great in Breakfast dishes like Pancakes, Smoothies or Kaiserschmarrn. Imagine starting your day with a delicious blueberry smoothie or fluffy blueberry pancakes - a perfect start to the day!
Blueberries are also a great ingredient for something savory. How about a Risotto with blueberries? It may sound unusual, but the sweet and tart note of the berries gives the risotto a special, summery freshness.
And of course blueberries and bilberries are also fantastic as Toppings. Whether on a Yogurt or a CheesecakeThey give every dish that certain something.
Make super tasty blueberry muffins today!
My conclusion
I now have a berry Appetite for Heidel- and Blueberries get ... and you?😁🫐
I had to make that pun. Now you (and I) know the Blueberry Blueberry Difference. So these are really healthy tiny things that are good for our bodies and can also be used in the kitchen X various recipes refined. The blueberry is the wild form of the blueberry from the supermarket. In its wild form, the berry is much healthier and contains more secondary, plant-based active ingredients. It is worth going into the forest in summer and stocking up. Frozen, the berries will keep for a year in the freezer.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your blueberries and bilberries today!🫐🩷
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