The different species of blueberries are part of the genus Vaccinium.
The blueberry is a plant that can reach a height of half a meter. It is part of the Ericaceae family group and 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 with a pink or whitish hue. The fruit , meanwhile, is a berry highly appreciated for its sweet flavor .
The genus Vaccinium
In its broadest sense, blueberry is the common name for the species that make up the genus Vaccinium . That is why different kinds of blueberries can be recognized.
Usually, when we talk about simply blueberry, we are referring to blueberry . With the scientific name Vaccinium corymbosum , its fruit is known in English as blueberry , a name that is sometimes also used in Spanish-speaking countries .
The lingonberry is the species called Vaccinium vitis-idaea . The fruit can be referred to as cranberry , as is the case with the large red cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon ).
The wild blueberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ), the blueberry ( Vaccinium meridionale ) and the shiny blueberry ( Vaccinium myrsinites ) are other species that make up the genus Vaccinium .
It is interesting to note that blueberries belong to the group of so-called berries or fruits of the forest , along with strawberries, cherries, sour cherries, raspberries and blackberries, among others. These foods grew wild in forested areas and then began to be cultivated.
Blueberries are part of the group of forest fruits.
Properties of blueberries
Blueberries have flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins among their components. It is a fruit with a high level of antioxidants and a reduced 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 blood pressure and minimize the consequences of infections.
It is important to mention, in any case, that 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 eating disorder. health .
Ways to consume them
Blueberries can be consumed fresh , raw. However, some people find their flavor somewhat acidic, which is why they prefer to eat them as part of jams , sweets , sauces or other preparations.
As for the lingonberry , for example, it is the ingredient of a very popular jam in Scandinavia . In this region, jam is used to accompany pancakes or cookies, but also as a dressing for meats and sausages.
Ice cream is usually made with blueberries. This product can be prepared at home, although it is also offered in ice cream parlors in many countries .
Another way to consume blueberries is to take advantage of their juice . Thus, the fruit is combined with water and sugar. Cranberry fermentation, on the other hand, allows the production of wines , vodkas and other alcoholic beverages.
It should be noted that, by dehydrating fresh cranberries, you obtain dried cranberries . Although they have a lower amount of nutrients , their durability is increased.