Fascinating Facts - Blueberries
- Blueberries grow on a shrub that belongs to the heath family.
- There are approximately 30 different species of blueberries.
- Blueberries were not cultivated until the beginning of the 20th century, becoming commercially available in 1916.
- Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. Antioxidants are responsible for neutralizing free radicals in the body, which can affect aging and contraction of diseases.
- Many people equate cranberries with urinary tract health, but blueberries are also good at reducing bacteria growth that causes urinary issues.
- Blueberries contain 14 mg of Vitamin C and 0.8 mg Vitamin E per 1 cup of blueberries.
- Blueberries were once used to make dyes and paints.
- America's favorite muffin is the blueberry muffin.
- Blueberries are one of the only foods that are naturally blue in color.
- The annual harvest of North American blueberries would cover a four lane highway from Chicago to New York if spread out in a single layer.
- The pale, powder-like protective coating on the skin of blueberries is called "bloom."
- Blueberries grow best in acidic soil at a pH of four to five and make a good container plant.
- Minnesota claims the blueberry muffin as its official state muffin and New Jersey claims the berry as its official state fruit.