Flowering plants of genus Vaccinium; grown for their fruit.
Blueberries are perennial flowering plants of genus Vaccinium (ie. related to cranberries and bilberries) which are grown for their dark-blue berries. Most in cultivation are from the section Cyanococcus.
shrubs vary from 10 cm to 4 m in height, and leaves can be either deciduous or evergreens.
Fruit are sweet when ripe, but the level of acidity can vary.
Blueberries are a popular fruit(fruits) in North America (where they are native), but have increasing popularity in Europe and other parts of the world. They are typically eaten fresh, in jellies, jams, pies, muffins, snack foods, and cereals. They have a diverse range of nutrients and a relatively low glycemic load. Some studies have shown that these combined components may have an effect against cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke damage. This is an area of ongoing research.
Use this tag for all questions about growing the various varieties of blueberries. Questions about bilberries, and related berries should use the appropriate tag instead.
