Blueberry

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Source: [1]

Common Name: Blueberry

Scientific Name: Vaccinium angustifoliium Ait. or Vaccinium corymbosum L. [3]

Native to North America, blueberries are commonly found as either the

lowbush (V. angustifolium Ait.) – grown primarily in Marine and eastern Canada
high bush (V. corymbosum L.) – commercially grown in large quantities in New Jersey and Michigan
half-high bush - cross of lowbush and highbush [3]

British Columbia is the largest producer of cultivated highbush blueberries in Canada [3]. Common cultivars include: Bluecrop, Blueray, Jersey, Northland, Patriot, Lowbush Blueberries, and Half-high blueberries.

Years grown at UBC Farm/LFSOG: planted in 2009, no production yet

Growing Conditions

Blueberries love sunshine but tolerate partial shade, although more shade gives fewer blossoms, and thus less fruit production [3].

Soil should be well drained, loose, and high in organic matter content. There should be good drainage, because roots are fine and will suffocate if they are kept in water-saturated soil for a few days [2]. Low lying locations should be avoided because of its being prone to frost and poorly drained. For example, clay soil has poor drainage, and thus is non-suitable for blueberries [2].

Acidic soil is critical for the plants. The optimal pH is around 4.2 - 5.0, though blueberry plants may tolerate up to pH 5.5. If the original pH is within 5.0 to 6.5, sulphur can acidify the soil, reducing soil pH. However, if the soil pH is greater than 6.5, sulphur cannot acidify the soil to reduce pH. Such soil is therefore not suitable for blueberry production [2].

High bush blueberry plants should be planted 1.0 – 1.5 m apart in rows. Greater aisle distance may be needed for machinery [2]. Special care is needed for watering, bird control, frost protection, and bacterial disease [2], while pruning may stimulate growth and increase yield for next year's production. [2]

Seasonality

Blueberries are available usually in mid season (late spring to late summer, peaking in July and August) [3].

Blueberries are a long-term crop with a life span around 20 years. Berries can be harvested 3-4 years after planting, but will only reach full production after more than 8 years [2].

Nutritional Information

Blueberries are a source of dietary fiber
Blueberries are one of the fruits with highest antioxidant activity, which can neutralize free radicals that can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease [7].
Blueberries are good sources of antioxidants – retards aging, reduce cell damage (cause of cancer), cardiovascular disease, loss of brain function [1].
Blueberries contain tannins, which prevents urinary tract infections [1].
Blueberries contain anthyocyanin (blue pigment in blueberries), which reduces eyestrain [1]
Blueberries are excellent sources of vitamin C, beneficial to eyesight and memory, and good sources of dietary fibre [7].
Blueberries are an excellent source of manganese, which aids development of bones and metabolism of protein, carb and fat.

Nutrition Facts/Valeur Nutritive
Serving Size: 153 g (1 cup)
Amount Per Serving	%Daily Value*
Calories 87
Total Fat 0.51g	0%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Trans Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 22g	8%
Dietary Fiber 4g	16%
Sugars 15.3g
Protein 1g
Vitamine A	0%
Vitamine C	44%
Calcium	0%
Iron	0%
* % Daily value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Information based on Canadian Nutrient File [4][6]

Recipes

Beverages:

Beverage Recipesfrom BC Blueberry Council

Breakfast:

Breakfast Recipesfrom BC Blueberry Council

Additional usage inventory

Products

Commercially packed fresh – freshly packed into boxes and graded for stores, restaurants, cafes, bakeries and shipping internationally
Processed - frozen, puree, juice, dried, freeze dried, powder and infused

Food processing companies pack 55% of total production for bakery and dairy, fruit filling, canned berries, frozen berries, jam, juices and concentrate, purees, dried blueberries [1]

Storage

Berries are best consumed fresh.
For household storage methods, pick out the moldy or crushed berries, eat the ripened (softest) fruits, and leave the rest of the berries unwashed in shallow pans lined with paper towel. Plastic wrap and refrigerate [5]

Selection

Select blueberries that are dry, firm, with smooth skin. Darker colour indicates ripeness. Choose according to personal preference (for sweetness or tangy taste) [5]

Academic connections

UBC Farm is currently experimenting with growing blueberries in different soil conditions to better understand the effects of soil conditions on the nutritional value of the berries.

References

1. BC Blueberry Council (2009) BC Blueberry council. Retrieved on March 25 2010 at http://www.bcblueberry.com/

2. Blueberries for Home garden (2008) Ontario Ministry of Agriculture. Retrieved on March 25 2010 at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/90-046.htm#Introduction

3. Camire, M.E. (2002) Chapter 3. Phytochemicals in the Vaccinium Family: Bilberries, Blueberries, and Cranberries. In Phytochemicals in Nutrition and Health. Retrieved March 25, 2010 from CRCnetbase: www.crcnetbase.com

4. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2010). Canadian food inspection agency. Retrieved from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml

5. Fruits & Veggies Matter (2010) Fruit of the Month: Berries. Retrieved at http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/berries.html

6. Health Canada. (2010). Nutrient data. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/fiche-nutri-data/index-eng.php

7. US Highbush Blueberry Council (2010) US highbush blueberry council. Retrieved on March 25 2010 at http://www.blueberry.org/