Blueberries,...One of Nature's Antioxidant SuperFruits!
What are Blueberries? Blueberries are flowering shrubs with bell-shaped with white, pale pink or red, or sometimes greenish-tinged flowers. They are considered to be one of nature's antioxidant superfruits. The fruit is marble-sized and is pale greenish at first then reddish-purple and finally, indigo blue (deep, dark, navy blue) upon ripening. Health Benefits
Blueberry Research about Health Benefits . High Levels of Antioxidants High in antioxidants, this superfruit is so named because they combine high levels of nutrients with high levels of antioxidants. Research labs show growing evidence that
are an important part of a healthy diet. The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of a serving of fresh blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables, combined. ORAC Value: The fresh fruit have a high ORAC value of 2400 per 100 grams. In most cases, 5 servings of some fruits and vegetables in a typical American diet has an ORAC value of 1600. These high antioxidant values help our bodies protect us against diseases and age-related health risks. See the ORAC chart below:
What Do They Taste Like? They have a sweet, fruity and slightly acidic, taste when they are ripe. 
Where Can I Find Them?They typically bear fruit from May through October in North America. The season peaks in July which is National Blueberry Month in the U.S. and Canada. Most people buy them from their local grocery store or a Farmer's Market. Don't forget to rinse them off before eating them to remove any herbicides and pesticides because these chemicals make your immune system have to work harder to keep you healthy. Can I Grow My Own? Yes. They are easy to grow. They are a shrub/bush which grow to about 6 feet high, usually measuring about 6 feet wide, when fully grown. You may have to place netting over them once the fruit sets on because birds love them, too. Otherwise, they are a very low maintenance shrub, other than applying a little fertilizer once in a while. If you feel that their price is too expensive in the grocery store, check with your local garden center in the Spring and buy the shrub, itself. Plant them after danger of frost has passed. One well-nurtured (watered and fertilized) shrub should provide your entire family with plenty of this tasty, healthy fruit.
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. Return from Blueberries to Home Page
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