Benefits Of Blueberries

Latin Name : Vaccinium corymbosum

Blueberry plant is native to North America though today it is grown worldwide. The plant is a perennial.
The berries start off pale greenish in colour change to reddish purple while ripening are the ripe berries are deep blue to dark purple in colour.
Ripe berries have a silver to blue sheen called bloom which indicates they are fresh. The sheen cannot be washed off with water and stays for about 7-8 days after the blueberries are harvested. The sheen or bloom protects the berries from the harsh rays of the sun.
The reddish purple blueberry is not fully ripe.

These are mainly of 3 types

High Bush Blueberry Plant

The plant can grow to a height of 12 feet when uncultivated but stays around 4 - 7 feet when cultivated. Blueberries from this variety are the most commonly available in the grocery stores.

Low Bush Blueberry Plant

This is the wild blueberry plant growing to a height of 1-2 feet. The berry of this plant is smaller than the berry of the high bush plant. These blueberries are mainly used in processed foods.

Rabbit Eye Blueberry Plant

These grow up to 20 feet in height but on cultivation remain at a height of 4-10 feet.

Blueberries that are firm to touch, smooth skinned and purple to blue black in colour should be bought. When buying frozen blueberries ensure that the berries move freely in the container and are not clumpy nor is there water in the container.
To store fresh blueberries remove any soft, crushed or moldy ones and do not wash before storing. They can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week to 10 days.

Take dry blueberries but do not wash them. Arrange the in a single layer in a tray on butter paper and put them in the freezer. Once the berries are frozen transfer them to a plastic bag and seal airtight.

Freezing does not affect the nutrient value of the antioxidant anthocyanin adversely.

Cooking may change the colour of blueberries. Lemon juice and vinegar can turn the berries reddish due to their acid content or alkaline foods like baking soda may turn their colour greenish blue.

In cakes, muffins, scones' batter, stir in fresh or frozen blueberries last.

Blueberries can be eaten fresh, frozen or processed as juice, puree, dried for use in jams, jellies, pies, muffins, cakes, scones, cheese, cereals and snacks. A wine is also prepared from blueberry.

Fresh blueberries provide the highest nutritional benefits.

Blueberries contain a wide array of nutrients, especially the micro nutrients and high levels of manganese, Vitamin B6, C, E, K and fiber.
They are a rich source of antioxidants like anthocyanins, flavonoids, beta carotene, phenolic compounds ellagic acid.

Blueberries have been used in folk medicine.

A brew made by using roots of the tree was used as a tea to relax women during childbirth.
The leaves were steeped in water to use as a blood purifier.
For relieving cough, blueberry juice and syrup were used.

Blueberries are low in calories just 83 calories in 145 gms of the fruit. Studies indicate blueberries break down fats.

Because of the phytochemicals like anthocyanins, flavonols, tannins and reservatrol blueberry helps to reduce cancer risk and inflammation.

It is also believed to help in reducing effects of Alzheimer's disease and general aging related changes.

Blueberry benefits in urinary tract infections, maintains normal blood pressure, reduces cholesterol and heart disease risk, improves memory and controls depression.

Blueberry has a low glycemic index. Hence it provides better sugar control in people with diabetes.

Regular consumption of blueberries has shown to increase night vision and provides faster acclimatization to darkness and faster restoration of vision after exposure to bright light.

Blueberries also benefit in diarrhoea and constipation.

Organically grown blueberries have been found to have higher levels of total antioxidants and anthocyanin content.

New evidence suggests that blueberry consumption reduces the damage to muscles due to over exercise.

Yield: About 24 small cakes

Crumb Topping Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine, melted

Batter Ingredients

• 2 cups sifted flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups blueberries

Preparing

Preheat the oven to 375° F. Grease muffin cups or line with paper liners.

To make the topping, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and combine with a fork or your fingers until it forms crumbs. Set aside.

To make the batter, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the milk gradually, beating after each addition. Add the batter mixture a small quantity at a time, beating after each addition. Beat until smooth.

Fold the blueberries into the batter, stirring gently by hand until they are evenly distributed. Spoon the mixture into muffin tins and sprinkle each cake with a little crumb topping.

Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown.

source : producepete.com

Disclaimer

The information provided in this hub is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements.