Wild blueberries, botanical name V. angustifolium, are a flowering lowbush blueberry, whose name is a direct reflection of how the plant grows in ground crawling bush form.

Wild blueberries are onyx blue in color, pearl sized and shaped. They are inherently less sweet than cultivated blueberries, displaying a balance of sweet and tart. Their skin is thin and flesh soft and succulent with a melting quality.

Nutritional Value

Wild blueberries have a greater antioxidant capacity than cultivated blueberries. Their darker color is a result of potent amounts of anthocyanin present in both the fruit's skin and flesh, which increase their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Native Americans used wild blueberries along with the plant's leaves and roots for medicinal purposes. They were used to treat coughs and their juice was said to be good for the blood. Wild blueberries were also used as a dye for baskets and cloth. Dried blueberries were added to stews, soups and cured meats such as beef jerky.

Geography/History

Wild blueberries are native to North America, with a natural growing region in Northeastern United States and Canada. They are far more cold hardy than their cultivated counterpart, surviving in the wild as far north as Arctic North America. Wild blueberries are hand harvested. Their commercial viability as a cash crop is limited to Northeastern United States.

Seasons/Availability

Wild blueberries are available during the summer.