The next time you are going to the market to buy some fruits, do not forget to add some blueberries into your fruit basket. The indigo coloured berries are from the same genus as cranberries, strawberries and bilberries. Obtained from perennial flowering plants that are basically from the North America, they were introduced commercially to Europe only in the 1930s. Blueberry is low in calories but rich in nutrients. Hence, it is preferred as an ideal fruit.

It is the second most popular fruit after the strawberries.
Plant -Blueberry grows on a flowering shrub. It is mainly blue or purple in colour. The shrub may seem similar to cranberry and huckleberry shrubs.

Fruit -The fruit is small, round in shape with a crown at one end. It is about 5 to 16 millimetres in diameter. The fruit is green in colour when unripe, but gradually changes to purple when it ripens. There are many varieties of blueberries, but two types are the most common ones.

Countries -Although the fruit is native to North America, today it is grown in many parts of the world like Europe, Asia and Africa.

Forms -Blueberry is consumed in many forms. It can be eaten raw or frozen. It is also made in to puree, juices, salads, milkshakes, jams, jellies, ice creams, chocolates, muffins, pies, cakes and pastries.

Blueberry is also used to make wine. The flesh and skin of the blueberry are fermented and matured to form a tasty wine.

Nutrients -Blueberry is very rich in nutrients. It contains -

• Carbohydrates - 14%
• Protein - 0.7%
• Fat - 0.3%
• Water - 84%

It contains very small amounts of micronutrients and dietary minerals such as manganese. It also contains vitamin c, vitamin k and dietary fibre. One serving of blueberry contains 57kcal of energy.

Health benefits -

• They are rich in antioxidants that are good for your skin, hair and body.
• They help in avoiding cancers.
• They help in reducing damage of your DNA, thus avoiding age related problems.
• They lower the LDL oxidation process by 27% and decrease heart related problems.
• They also help in lowering the blood pressure.
• They help in the proper functioning of the brain and increase the memory power.
• They have anti diabetic effects.
• They are also good in fighting against urinary tract infections which are common in women.
• They help in repairing muscle damage due to heavy exercises.

Quick recipes -

• Add blueberries to your cornflakes or cereals. It will enhance the taste of your breakfast.
• Layer yogurt and blueberries in a glass and garnish with chopped blueberries. You will have a very delicious desert in just two minutes.

The high nutritive value of the fruit makes blueberry a very popular and most loved fruit. It is often called as a super food, thanks to its low calories and high nutrition. So, if you are ordering next day delivery fruit baskets, do not forget to include blueberries for good health and taste.