The antioxidants in blueberries — including vitamin C, vitamin E, and anthocyanins — work together to provide broad-spectrum cellular protection. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give blueberries their deep blue-purple color. Factors like ripeness, variety, soil conditions, and sunlight exposure can all influence how blue a blueberry becomes—riper berries tend to be darker and more intensely blue. The concentration and ratio of these compounds determine the intensity and shade of blue color.

North American native species of blueberries are grown commercially in the Southern Hemisphere in Australia, New Zealand and South American nations. Vaccinium has a mostly circumpolar distribution, with species mainly present in North America, Europe, and Asia. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. These species are sometimes called "blueberries" and are sold as blueberry jam or other products.

• These species are sometimes called "blueberries" and are sold as blueberry jam or other products.
• Maine is known for its wild blueberries, but the state's lowbush (wild) and highbush blueberries combined account for 10% of all blueberries grown in North America.
• Blueberries are a source of various nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin K, iron, and more.
• On average, 80% of Québec wild blueberries are harvested on farms (21 million kilograms (23,000 short tons)), the remaining 20% being harvested from public forests (5 million kilograms (5,500 short tons)).

Kaolin clay for Rhagoletis mendax also reduced effectiveness of Diachasma alloeum, its parasitoid. For example, treatment for Illinoia pepperi can reduce populations of its predators. As of 2018update it remains relatively unmolested by pests and diseases (see Diseases below). On average, 80% of Québec wild blueberries are harvested on farms (21 million kilograms (23,000 short tons)), the remaining 20% being harvested from public forests (5 million kilograms (5,500 short tons)). Maine is known for its wild blueberries, but the state's lowbush (wild) and highbush blueberries combined account for 10% of all blueberries grown in North America. The production of southern highbush varieties occurs in California, as varieties originating from University of Florida, Connecticut, New Hampshire, North Carolina State University and Maine have been introduced.

Compared with other berries

Other sections in the genus are native to other parts of the world, including the Pacific Northwest and the southern United States, South America, Europe and Asia. Commercially offered blueberries are usually from species that naturally occur only in eastern and north-central North America. Lowbush blueberries, sometimes called "wild blueberries", are generally not planted by farmers, but rather are managed on berry fields called "barrens". Many species of blueberries grow wild in North America, including Vaccinium myrtilloides, V. angustifolium and V. corymbosum, which grow on forest floors or near swamps.

United States

However, the researchers caution that studies vary considerably in design and dosage. A 2024 review highlights the potential anticancer effects of blueberries, which may link to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to the 2024 article, research suggests that blueberry consumption may offer benefits for heart health. More long-term studies are necessary to understand the effects of blueberries on insulin resistance and sensitivity. Regularly eating blueberries may also link to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Wild (lowbush) blueberries are smaller, have a more intense flavor, and often contain more antioxidants than cultivated (highbush) varieties commonly sold in stores. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, or digestive upset. Studies suggest that the antioxidants and polyphenols in blueberries can help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, contributing to lower blood pressure levels.

The American Cancer Association suggests that a balanced diet containing whole fruits in a variety of colors may also be beneficial for cancer prevention. Blueberries’ properties may also help to inhibit tumor growth and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. While both are healthy, wild blueberries may contain more antioxidants than domesticated ones. This amount offers a healthy dose of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins while minimizing the risk of side effects. Blueberries are considered a superfood due to their dense concentration of nutrients and powerful antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their distinctive color. Most nutrition experts and research studies suggest that ½ to 1 cup (75–150g) per day is a sweet spot for health benefits.

You can use them in a variety of baked goods, jams, and jellies, as well as for flavorings. These small, round berries are about 0.2 to 0.6 inches (in) or 5 to 16 millimeters (mm) blueberry αλιμος in diameter, and they range in color from blue to purple. This article reviews blueberries, including their nutrition and benefits. Often marketed as a superfood, blueberries are an excellent source of several vitamins, beneficial plant compounds, and antioxidants. Blueberries are a healthy food full of vitamins C and K1, manganese, and several other beneficial plant compounds.