Around the World in 40 Fruits – Volume 8 – (Article 8 of 40)
By Dr. Marli Botha
Blueberries: A Taste of the North ! In Canada, blueberries reign as the national fruit. These small, vibrant berries encapsulate the beauty of the country’s wilderness.
Let’s take a sweet trip into the world of the mighty blueberry – nature’s little powerhouse!
- Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense foods, with high levels of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant blue color.
- They are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and fiber.
- Blueberries are low in calories, a cup of blueberries contains only about 80 calories.
- Blueberries were initially called “star fruits” by North American indigenous peoples because of the five-pointed star shape that is formed at the blossom end of the berry.
- A single blueberry bush can produce as many as 6,000 blueberries per year.
- Blueberries have a waxy coating called a “bloom” that acts as a barrier, protecting the skins from insects and bacteria. It seals in the fruit’s moisture and is a sign of freshness!
