Blueberries have been around for thousands of years and were once called "star berries" because of the star-shaped outer protective covering of the flower. The American Indians believed that the "Great Spirit" sent these star berries to relieve the hunger of their children during times of famine. Explorers Lewis and Clark found that Indians in the Northwest Territory smoked wild blueberries to preserve them for the winter.
This berry is a native to North America and was used extensively by the Indians. Since blueberry season was so short, they dried the harvested berries for use throughout the year until summer blessed them with a new supply. The fresh or dried berries were added to meat, stews, soup, and other foods to add extra flavor.
In the early 1600's Samuel de Champlain saw Indians on Lake Huron harvesting blueberries that were dried, beaten into a pulp and combined with cornmeal, honey and water to make a pudding called Sautauthig.
The domestication of the blueberry started in 1908 when a researcher at the United States Department of Agriculture, Dr. F.V. Coville, began studying wild blueberries and seeking out superior plants for breeding. He made his first selection of plants in New Hampshire. Dr. Coville made crosses among the best of these, and the Highbrush Blueberry industry was born. He developed the first 15 commercial varieties of blueberries and many more followed as a result of his work. The first highbrush blueberries in Vermont were planted in 1948 and today Putney remains the blueberry capitol of Vermont.
Elsewhere, word got out about highbrush blueberries and they were grown far and wide, all the way to Japan. Freezing the berries doesn't diminish their health benefits, so its convenient to put some up and enjoy them later. Also, a bowl of blueberries a day keeps the doctor away!
Every day for 12 years, Jasper, a pet Mynah bird in Palm Bay, Florida, has eaten 20 blueberries. This snack has probably helped this feathered fellow to continue chattering way past the 10-year life expectancy of captive Mynahs.
People can take a tip from this wise old bird, because blueberries, the darling of the dietitians, are both delicious and good for you.
Want to retain your memory? Try a blueberry. Lower your risk factors for some cancers? Make blueberries part of your diet. How about a natural source of antioxidants for optimum health? That's right, try blues.
"When it comes to brain protection, there is nothing quite like blueberries," states neuroscientist James Joseph. He calls blueberries the "brain berry."
According to the American institute for Cancer Research, scientists now know that blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that leads to cancer. Antioxidants are the "natural zappers" of free radicals, which are associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging. Recent USDA studies measured the antioxidant activity of more than 40 commercially available fruits and vegetables and ranked blueberries #1.
Dr. James Joseph, Chief of USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging at Tufts University, is working with blueberries to examine their potential to help improve motor skills and reverse short-term memory loss. "The blueberry has emerged as a powerful food in the aging battle," says Joseph. "In reversing memory loss, their potential may be very great."
According to research findings, blueberries help promote urinary tract health. Rutgers scientist, Amy Howell, explains that blueberries contain compounds that prevent the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections from attaching to the bladder wall.
For just 40 calories in a 1/2 cup serving, blueberries offers a great lineup of nutrients, like potassium and iron, as well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C. And let's not forget that blueberries also provide dietary fiber. Wow! What a berry!
Blueberry Trivia
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July has been designated National Blueberry Month.
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Blueberries are related to azaleas, camellias, heather and rhododendrons.
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Blueberries, concord grapes and cranberries are the three native N. American berries.
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The most favorite muffin in the United States is the blueberry muffin.
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Over 200 million pounds of blueberries are grown every year in North America.
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Culinary titan, Julia Child, grew blueberry bushes in her Santa Barbara, CA backyard.
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Wild blueberries are still harvested in the generations-old method of using handheld rakes.
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Blueberries are one of nature's true blue foods.
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A blueberry beverage was an important staple of the Civil War soldier's diet.
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North America accounts for 90 percent of the world's blueberry production.
These berries are so versatile it pays to keep a stash in your fridge or freezer and they are even good out of a can. They are delicious in muffins, pies, waffles, pancakes, cereals, salads, and smoothies or with just a dollop of fat-free Cool Whip. Lots of people mix them up with soy ice cream or soy yogurt. You can't go wrong with "the little blues," so add them to your diet today.
--Sheila O'Niell has been published in Highlights for Children, Child Life, Primary Treasure, Our Little Friend, Nature Friend Magazine, The Numismatist, Young & Alive, Sirs Discoverer and The Conqueror.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Day, Jenifeer W. What Is a Fruit? NY: Golden Press, 1976.
Hausman, Patricia and Hurley, Judith Bean. The Healing Foods. NY: St. Martin's Press, 1989.
Vesanto, Melina, R.D. Davis, Brenda, R.D. and Harrison, Victoria. Becoming Vegetarian. TN: Book Publishing Co., 1975.
Encyclopedia Britannica: Blueberry Vol. 3, p.814.
The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Vol. 46, No. 7.
Gannet News Service. Blueberries Taste Great and Are Good For You.. Lafayette Advertiser, 7-13-05.
WEBSITES:
www.dorset-blueberry.com
www.blueberry.org/health.htm
www.mercola.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=8-33k
www.mainemunchies.com
www.dole5aday.com
