Blueberries are full of power, but only if you pick the right berry. are full of power, but only if you pick the right berry.

Blueberries and blueberries are the same fruit. However, there is a fundamental difference between cultivated and wild blueberries. Find out here which is the better superfood and what they can do.

Blueberries are small round fruits belonging to the heath family. They are widely known for their dark blue or purple color and sweet and sour taste.

Blueberries are not only tasty but also very beneficial as they are rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins. These antioxidants help prevent cell damage and can strengthen the immune system. Blueberries also contain vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber and minerals such as manganese.

Blueberry varieties: here are the differences

We are talking about cultivated blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and wild blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), also called wild blueberries.

The blueberry is the larger and better known of these two berries . It is about one to two centimeters in size, round in shape and has a distinctive blue-purple color with a white flower at the top. This variety is derived from American blueberries and is characterized by yellowish-white flesh that has a mild, sweet-sour taste. It is widely grown in commercial plantations because it grows under favorable conditions in many parts of the world and has a longer harvest season that lasts from summer to early fall. Cultivated blueberries are the preferred choice for consumption fresh or processing into juice, jam and other products.

In contrast, wild blueberries are much smaller, about five to ten millimeters in diameter, and have a more intense, dark blue or black color. These berries grow wild in forests and mountainous areas and are often somewhat irregular in size and shape. The flavor is more intense, aromatic and slightly bitter than cultivated blueberries. However, they are more sensitive and can only grow in special conditions, so they are mostly found in the wild, mainly in Europe. Harvesting dates are shorter, usually occurring in late summer or early fall. Wild blueberries are often eaten fresh or used to make jams and for naturopathic purposes.

Did you know. There are also red blueberries, sometimes mistakenly called “blackberries,” but they should not be confused with true blackberries.

The nutritional wonder of wild blueberries

Although both varieties of blueberries are valuable sources of important nutrients, wild blueberries are superior in many ways. Cultured blueberries contain only a tenth of the nutrients found in their wild relatives.

Compared to cultivated blueberries, wild blueberries tend to contain more antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and cell-protective properties. Due to their high antioxidant content, wild blueberries are particularly useful for fighting oxidative stress and supporting the immune system. Wild berries also often have higher levels of manganese, which is important for bone and metabolic health . Wild blueberries are also a rich source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant for skin health.

On the other hand, blueberries also contain many nutrients, including vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting. They also contain fiber, which aids in digestion, as well as minerals such as potassium. However, the flavor of blueberries is milder and less intense than wild blueberries, making them the preferred choice for commercial cultivation and wide availability.

Note: Wild blueberries taste sweet and flavorful, but contain so few calories that you can enjoy them in large quantities without worry.

Buying wild blueberries: how to find dark berries?

However, eating fresh wild blueberries in sufficient quantities is difficult and almost impossible. On the one hand, growing and harvesting are very labor intensive due to difficult conditions, and on the other hand, the berries spoil quickly after harvesting. This is due to the fact that they are extremely sensitive to pressure, which makes them difficult to store and transport. Therefore, it is hardly possible to enjoy fresh, healthy, organic wild blueberries on a regular basis.

Therefore, it is recommended to use the frozen version of wild berries. This way, not only are all the vitamins and minerals preserved, but you can create a large stock for several weeks without worrying about loss of quality. In this form, they can also be perfectly added to smoothies, juices, granola and other dishes.

Tip: even in powder form, you can still benefit from the valuable healing properties of wild blueberries.