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American blueberry - properties, facts, recipes
Table of Contents
1. American blueberry possesses nutritional value
100 g of American blueberries 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 this plant 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 blueberries are also characterized by a high content of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, selenium, and zinc. These fruits also contain a considerable amount of polyphenols, phytoestrogens, anthocyanins, and fiber. Due to their high nutritional value and low caloric content, American blueberries are recommended for individuals on a weight loss diet. They can also be consumed by diabetics, as their glycemic index is 55.2. Medicinal attributes
American blueberries have been valued for their medicinal 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.3. Growing and care
The American blueberry shrub is a very demanding plant. Its cultivation requires adherence to many rules and sufficient time. Particularly important is the type of soil it 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 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 blueberry is its resistance to pests, which allows for a complete renunciation of chemical protection measures.4. The American blueberry - fascinating facts
Below are some fascinating facts about this fruit. - American blueberries belong to the same family as wild berries, but they are larger, sweeter, and have 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 high resistance to low temperatures, frozen American blueberries retain their flavor and most nutrients. - American blueberries are not heat-resistant - they lose most of their vitamins and minerals. - The largest European crops of American blueberries are found in Poland.5. Instructions for preparing American blueberry juice
American blueberries, as well as strawberries, are suitable for raw consumption immediately after being detached from the bush. At that time, their nutritional composition is the best. The fruit can also be consumed as an additive to desserts, cakes, meat sauces, juices, jams, and many others. However, the juice deserves special attention. It is very easy to prepare, and the content of valuable vitamins and mineral salts makes it recommended to consume it for the prevention of many civilization diseases.6. Ingredients:
– More than 2 kilograms of American blueberries, – 500 grams of sugar.7. A tried and tested way of preparing
Cleaning, washing and drying of blueberries, followed by mixing, transferring to a large container, adding sugar, mixing and leaving under cover for about 24 hours, then draining on a sieve and pressing the juice with a diaper or cloth wiper, pouring the resulting juice into previously steamed, dry containers and sealing. Storing the jars in a refrigerator.
