Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

OriginThe blue berry of the acidic forest floor

Blue teeth, blue fingers, blue tongue - anyone who picked blueberries as a child knows immediately whether they were wild or cultivated blueberries.

The wild bilberry is a small, deciduous dwarf shrub that grows on acidic, nutrient-poor soils: in open coniferous and mixed forests, on heaths, in bogs, and far up into mountainous regions. It forms extensive stands via underground runners, which can live for many decades – what looks like a thousand small shrubs is often a single clone. Its flowers are inconspicuous, pink-tinged bells that appear in May and are an important early source of nectar for bumblebees.

The most important practical difference concerns the Cultivated blueberry, which is available in supermarkets. It originates from North American species, especially from Vaccinium corymbosum, It grows as a man-high shrub and bears significantly larger berries - but white inside are. The wild blueberry is colored entirely blue, Because their anthocyanins are found throughout the entire flesh, not just in the peel. Practically speaking, this means: if you want the pigments, you need the wild variety – its anthocyanin content is many times higher. If you want to keep your mouth clean, choose the cultivated variety.

For centuries, dried blueberries were used in folk medicine as a remedy for diarrhea—a jar of dried blueberries was a staple in many households, just like chamomile. The leaves were used to make tea for bladder problems and high blood sugar; this is a use that modern medicine explicitly advises against, more on that below. And then there's the most famous story about this plant, which unfortunately isn't one at all—the one about improved night vision.

To useWhat the blueberry can do for you

The approved application applies exclusively to the dried Fruit. The European Medicines Agency and Commission E list it at nonspecific acute diarrhea and externally at mild inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The reason for this is... tannins, The amount of these substances increases proportionally during drying and, as with tormentil, thickens the irritated mucous membrane into a firmer protective layer. Dried blueberries can simply be chewed or prepared as a decoction – both methods work.

And here's the point that's done wrong in every other kitchen: Fresh blueberries do not help against diarrhea, but rather in the opposite direction. Fresh berries consist mainly of water, pectin, and sugar; they have a mild laxative effect. Reaching for fresh berries to treat diarrhea is not advisable. The recognized laxative effect is only achieved with dried fruit, which is predominantly composed of tannins.

The Anthocyanins The blue pigments are the second major ingredient and the reason for the blueberry's reputation as an antioxidant. They are highly effective in the laboratory, and there are plausible indications and a few small human studies regarding their effects on blood vessels and retinal circulation. This led to one of the most enduring nutritional myths of all time during World War II: The British Royal Air Force spread the rumor that its night fighter pilots were so accurate because they ate blueberry jam – in reality, this was intended to conceal the new radar technology. Controlled studies have found no effect on the night vision of healthy people. The story has persisted for eighty years, and it is a good example of how a marketing slogan becomes folk wisdom.

A word about the ScrollBlueberry leaf tea was traditionally drunk for bladder problems and to lower blood sugar. Commission E has advised against its use because its effectiveness is not proven and there are concerns about the hydroquinone precursors it contains with prolonged use. There are no such concerns with the berries themselves – but blueberry leaf tea should not be used for long-term treatment.

IngredientsThis is what's inside the berry

The dried fruit contains 5 to 12 percent tannins The catechin type is the active ingredient responsible for its recognized use in treating diarrhea. During drying, the berry loses water, and the tannin content increases accordingly; at the same time, the pectins and sugars, which dominate in the fresh fruit, become less prominent. This is precisely why the fresh and dried berries have different effects.

The Anthocyanins The color is primarily due to glycosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, and malvidin. Wild blueberries typically contain 300 to 700 milligrams of these per 100 grams of fresh fruit, many times more than the white-fleshed cultivated blueberry. Anthocyanins are powerful free radical scavengers, but the body only absorbs a small portion of them and quickly metabolizes them—what is impressive in a test tube cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. In addition, they contain vitamin C, manganese, flavonoids, and organic acids.

In the Scroll Tannins and flavonoids are also present, as well as... Arbutin and related hydroquinone precursors. Arbutin is the same substance that makes bearberry a valuable remedy for bladder problems – and which also necessitates a strict time limit for its use. This is why bilberry leaf tea is not suitable for long-term use, however widespread its traditional application may have been.

Enhanced combinationsWhat makes blueberries stronger

The most important decision is made before preparation: fresh or dried, forest or cultivated, fruit or leaf.

What contradicts itselfIt's best to avoid these combinations.

To which courtWhere she belongs

• Dried blueberriesChew two tablespoons thoroughly - the simplest form of recognized use.
• Blueberry decoctionSimmer dried berries for ten minutes, strain, and drink lukewarm.
• MouthwashThe same decoction, made stronger, is used for sore gums and mouth ulcers.
• blueberry pancakesThe classic use of wild berries - fresh into the dough.
• Blueberry muffinsHere, the cultivated berry works better because it doesn't fall apart and doesn't stain.
• blueberry jamWild blueberries with little sugar - the color makes the difference.
• Cold soupWith milk or buttermilk, blended cold - a North German summer classic.
• SmoothieFrozen berries with banana and yogurt - the anthocyanins survive freezing well.
• Heidelbeer-TopfenThe simplest and most honest preparation.
• Wild berry supplyFreeze or dry - then you have both available all year round.

As a home remedyThe home medicine cabinet in a jar

Ayurveda & TCMWhat the old systems say

Warning noticesWhen you should be careful

This page provides information and does not replace medical advice. If symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

Related to the topicRead on and cook along!

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