American Blueberry - Attributes, Facts, Recipes

100 g of American bilberries contain approximately 84% water, 15 g of carbohydrates, 0.7 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat, and roughly 57 kcal. The fruits of these plants are an excellent source of vitamins and mineral salts. Mention can be made here of vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6, A, E, K, as well as folic acid. American bilberries are also characterized by a high content of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, selenium, and zink. These fruits also contain a considerable amount of polyphenols, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, and fiber. Due to their high nutritional value and low caloric content, American bilberries are recommended for individuals on a weight loss diet. They can also be consumed by diabetics, as their glycemic index is 55.

American blueberries have been valued for their health attributes for many years: – Studies show that American blueberries are a very good source of polyphenols – substances that exhibit strong antioxidant effects, thus preventing the development of cancers and diseases of the circulatory system. The polyphenolic content of these fruits ranges from 48 mg to 304 mg/100 mg and is dependent on maturity, variety, and conditions of the blueberries; – Phytoestrogens and fibers that are present in high amounts in blueberries also have a positive impact on cholesterol levels – they lower the level of so-called bad cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoproteins) and increase the level of cholesterol HDL (high-density lipoproteins). Consuming American blueberries effectively prevents the occurrence of atherosclerosis; – American blueberries are also an excellent source of flavonoids, which can contribute to improving memory; – the consumption of these fruits is also recommended for people with high blood pressure, as they effectively lower blood pressure due to the high content of anthocyanins; – due to the high content of phytoestrogens, American blueberries exhibit a preventive effect against breast, liver, and thyroid cancer; – blueberries are also rich in tannins, which have an antibacterial effect, seal the mucous membranes of the intestines, and slow down the movements of worms. Additionally, the fiber in these fruits aids in the elimination of toxins from the body; – Folate, which is present in American blueberries, has an anticancer effect, particularly in preventing cervical cancer; – consuming American blueberries due to the regenerative effect of anthocyanins and the high content of Vitamin A is especially recommended for people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer during their daily work, drivers, computer scientists. Including American blueberries in the diet is also recommended for the prevention and treatment of cataracts and macular degeneration; – due to the high content of antioxidants, these fruits help fight the aging process of the body. They aid in the elimination of free radicals, thereby effectively slowing down the appearance of wrinkles and also improving physical fitness; – considering the fact that American blueberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C, it is worth reaching for them during periods of low immunity.

The American highbush blueberry is a plant that requires special attention and knowledge. Its cultivation requires adherence to many rules and sufficient time. Particularly important is the type of soil, which should have a strongly acidic pH (3.5-5) and be a humus-rich soil. Water from natural sources is used for irrigation, which must be acidified in advance. Equally important is the fertilization, for which only acidic fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, etc. are used. The shrub reaches a height of about 2 meters and is frost-resistant, but it is best to plant it in the fall or spring. The berries of the American highbush blueberry resemble the appearance of blueberries but are larger and have a diameter of 2-3 cm. The skin is dark blue and has a waxy coating. One advantage of the American highbush blueberry is its resistance to pests, which allows for a complete renunciation of chemical protection measures.

Here are some remarkable facts about this fruit. - American blueberries belong to the same family as wild berries, but they are larger, sweeter, and offer more health benefits. - There are about 450 varieties of American blueberries. - American blueberries are long-lived plants - with proper care, they can survive up to 20 years. - Thanks to their exceptional resistance to low temperatures, frozen American blueberries retain their flavor and most nutrients. - American blueberries do not react well to high temperatures - they lose most of their vitamins and minerals. - The largest plantations of American blueberries in Europe are found in Poland.

American blueberries, much like strawberries, should be consumed raw immediately after being picked from the bush. At this time, they contain the highest amount of nutrients. These fruits can also be used as an addition to desserts, cakes, meat sauces, juices, jams, and many other dishes. However, the juice made from these fruits deserves special attention. It is very easy to prepare and contains a large amount of valuable vitamins and mineral salts, making it highly recommended to consume for the prevention of many civilization diseases.

– Over 2 kilograms of American blueberries, – 500 grams of sugar.

Cleaning, rinsing and drying of blueberries, followed by crushing, transferring to a large container, adding sugar, mixing and allowing to stay covered for about 24 hours, then straining on a sieve and pressing the juice with a diaper or cloth towel, pouring the resulting juice into previously boiled, dry containers and sealing. Storing the containers in a refrigerator.