What’s the Fuss Over Wild Blueberries and Why You Need Them in Your Diet!
If you haven’t been paying attention, Wild Blueberries are having a spotlight moment! These little berries are taking over the health and wellness world because of their incredible nutritional value. So what’s the fuss all about?
Wild blueberries are truly a special superfood treat but what are they and how do they differ from regular blueberries? Unlike cultivated highbush blueberries, wild blueberries grow on low bushes in the wild without any human intervention #helloheaven. These luscious little gems originate in the coastal regions of eastern Canada and northern parts of America. The milder climate of Australia doesn’t favour the growth of wild blueberries, but it doesn’t mean you can't get them.
Not only do wild blueberries contain more nutritional value than their larger, cultivated counterparts, but they also boast twice the antioxidant levels of cultivated varieties. With a higher concentration of phytonutrients, wild blueberries are a powerhouse of good nutrition and have a more robust taste than regular blueberries. The health-conscious community can’t stop talking about these flavoursome fruits, and now you know why!
These tiny berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the body. Studies have also shown that making wild blueberries a part of your regular diet can improve heart health, reducing one’s risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and premature aging.
Even more remarkable is that this tiny berry packs a powerful punch in terms of brain health. Consuming wild blueberries has been linked to enhanced memory and cognitive function in adults. Need we say more?
Some Great Features of Wild Blueberries You Can’t Ignore!
Other than the health benefits, wild blueberries also have some fantastic features that give them an edge over cultivated blueberries.
- Isn’t it great that the smaller size of wild blueberries makes it possible to pack more berries per gram than larger regular blueberries?!
- Plus, wild blueberries have a more intense flavour. Compared to regular blueberries, they impart a more powerful sweet and tangy taste to any food they go into.
- Moreover, wild blueberries retain their form, colour and texture in cooking and baking. So, they make a better choice for your muffins and cakes!
- And last but not least, you can freeze them for up to 2 years without compromising their nutritional value. You can buy a big batch and use it all year round without worrying about their availability in the market.
Wild blueberries can easily be found throughout North America. Shopping at a local farmers market is a great way to get fresh, local wild blueberries that were grown in the area. However, if you can’t find them fresh where you are, go for frozen wild blueberries available in supermarkets’ freezer sections.
Also, you can sometimes buy ready made products containing wild blueberries. Many natural food stores also carry wild blueberry products such as jams, powders, juices, and cereals.
So, whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack, try adding some wild blueberries! You can add them to pancakes, yogurt, cereal, or breakfast smoothies for instant energy to kick-start your day.