Blueberries

The Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, Rabbiteye, Halfhigh, and Lowbush blueberry groups belong to the genus Vaccinium (section Cyanococcus, family Ericaceae). Botanically, they are deciduous, distinctly acidophilic shrubs native to North America, which differ in habit (from low creeping forms to tall shrubs) and climatic requirements. The fruit is a multi-seeded berry with blue skin covered with a waxy coating and, unlike the European blueberry, usually light-colored flesh. Nutritionally, they are valued for their low energy content and high fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese content. Their phytochemical profile is defined by a high concentration of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, which give them their color and provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.