Blueberries

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Blueberries are fruits, growing on a shrub belonging to the Pyrenean family, whose members include bilberry, azalea, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Blueberries grow in bunches and can range in size from a small pea to that of a game ball. They are in saturated colors ranging from dark blue to purple-brown and black and have a white-gray waxy coating that serves as a protective coating. Their inner part is semi-transparent and the seeds are small. Cultivated blueberries they are usually slightly sweet, while the wild ones have a more sour and sharp taste.

The blueberries originate in North America, where they grow in forested and mountainous areas of the United States and Canada. This fruit rarely grows in Europe and has only recently been introduced in Australia. Blueberries were not cultivated until the early 20th century, and appeared on the market in 1916.

Composition of blueberries

The blueberries are very good sources of Carotene, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron. Blueberries contain significant amounts of anthocyanidins, antioxidant ingredients that give blue, purple and red colors to fruits and vegetables. These fruits also contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that prevents cell destruction. Blueberries are also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, soluble and insoluble fiber such as pectin. They are also a good source of vitamin D. 145 g. blueberries contain 81.2 calories and 0.98 grams of protein.

Blackberries they also contain sugar, organic acids (malic, citric, succinic, etc.), tannins, glycosides, pectin and dyes.

Types of blueberries

There are about 30 different types of blueberries grown in different regions. In Bulgaria, there are mainly four types of blueberries.

Blueberry - originates from North America, in Bulgaria it is found in all mountains. It blooms in May-June and ripens in July-September. Its fruits have a greenish local part and a pigeon-blue coating, and below it are dark blue. Even after the fruits are completely blue, they continue to grow. Cranberry is rich in many minerals and tannins, vitamins A, B, C, iron, manganese and sugar.

Cranberry - is a fruit that grows on an evergreen shrub. During ripening the fruits are juicy and red. Cranberry is very rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements and a number of useful substances.

blueberry - characterized by a dark blue color, sour taste and fleshy texture. It is spread in the high mountains of our country, it is rich in many vitamins and tannins.

What a blueberry - It is also called Strandzha blueberry, because although it is rare in the Strandzha mountain. Like its cousins, it is very tasty and has a number of health benefits.

Culinary use of blueberries

In addition to useful, blueberries are also very tasty, which is why they are widely used in cooking. They can be consumed on their own or in many cakes with blueberries, muffins with blueberries, cakes with blueberries, pie with blueberries or classic cheesecake with blueberries. They serve as a great decoration, go well with other fruits. Blueberries can be used to make great blueberry jam or blueberry syrup, which are also very tasty and nutritious.

Selection and storage of blueberries

When the choice of blueberries, those that are firm and have a vibrant color with a whitish tinge should be selected. Fruits that are duller in color or softer and paler should be avoided. The best antioxidant is fully ripe fruit.

Ripe blueberries should be stored in a container in the refrigerator, where they can be stored for about a week, although it is best to consume within a few days. Always inspect the fruit before storage and remove any damaged grains to prevent the spread of mold. Blueberries should not be washed before storage, as this will remove the protective coating that protects their skin from degradation.

Benefits of blueberries

Blueberries are the fruits with the highest ability to break down free radicals. The anthocyanidins contained in them neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals on the collagen intercellular substance of cells and tissues, which can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcer, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins help to improve the integrity of the supporting structures of the veins throughout the vascular system. Consumption of these small berries guarantees natural protection against high blood pressure.

Blueberries have a cardioprotective function. Numerous studies have shown that they can also improve night vision. They help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Blueberries also help protect the brain from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Eating blueberries is also recommended for kidney stones, rheumatism, anemia and skin diseases.

Blueberries contain and another antioxidant compound that blocks metabolic pathways that can lead to cancer. Thanks to it, they provide protection against colon cancer, ovarian cancer and more.

The high content of manganese and iron in blueberries has a beneficial effect on hematopoiesis, and fresh blueberries and blueberry juice have anti-inflammatory effects.

For the elderly, cranberries are extremely useful and their regular consumption is recommended. They not only improve vision, have a beneficial effect on brain function, but also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Healthy cranberry syrup

Healthy and well-ripened blueberries are selected, which are crushed and left to stand for two hours, after which the resulting mash is cooled and the juice is filtered through gauze or cheesecloth. 2 kg are added to each liter of juice. sugar and 5 grams of citric or tartaric acid. Cranberry juice is poured into dark and dry bottles and stored in a dry and cool place.

Weight loss with blueberries

The blueberry diet lasts three days, during which you can easily lose three pounds. For this you need fresh or frozen blueberries, fresh or yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, skim yogurt, low-fat and cream.

The same menu is followed on each of the three days. Breakfast is 100 g of cottage cheese, mixed with half a cup of blueberries and a teaspoon of cream. Lunch again consists of 100 grams of cottage cheese mixed with half a cup of blueberries and a glass of yogurt or milk. For afternoon breakfast you can make a cocktail of 100 ml. yogurt and half a cup of blueberries.

Dinner is a 125 ml cocktail. yogurt or milk and half a cup of blueberries. Before going to bed, make a cocktail from a tea cup of yogurt and half a cup of blueberries.

With this diet you will not only lose a few extra pounds, but it will also beautify you. The blueberry diet is not recommended for people with digestive problems.

Harm from blueberries

Blueberries are among the few foods that contain measurable amounts of oxylates. When oxylates become too concentrated in body fluids, they can become sugary and cause health problems. For this reason, people with kidney or bile problems should avoid eating blueberries.