Sunday, March 25, 2007

Vaccinium corymbosum - Highbush Blueberry


Blueberries are classified as low bush (smaller species) or high bush (larger species).
This native plant grows from Alabama to Ontario & is the most common commercially grown blueberry in North America.
The state of Maine produces 25% of all blueberries in North America, making it the largest producer in the world. The Maine crop requires about 50,000 beehives for pollination.
The highbush grows 6-12' x 8-12' at a slow rate & prefers acidic soil.
Blueberries, especially wild species, contain antioxidants which have been found to reduce the risks of some cancers. Blueberries have also been shown to reduce cholesterol.
My granny told me just this week that blueberries are one of the healthiest fruits we can eat. I told her that is a great reason to eat blueberry cobbler.