Blueberries are a juicy, delicious fruit that has been growing in popularity over the last few years. Although many people have heard of them, not everyone knows exactly what they are or why they’re purple. These little berries can be found almost everywhere during the summer months, but did you know that there are different types of blueberries? Some of them are purple, while others are blue. And even more surprising is the fact that some blueberries are red! So if you’ve ever wondered “Are blueberries purple?” Keep reading to find out more about this tasty berry and its many variations.
Are Blueberries Purple?
When it comes to the color of blueberries, it all comes down to anthocyanin. Blueberries are blue because anthocyanin is what gives them their color. Anthocyanin also gives a lot of other fruits their hue as well. Most people know that purple-colored foods are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But interestingly, that’s not the only reason blueberries are purple. In fact, it’s nothing to do with health benefits at all! Blueberries are purple because of anthocyanin. And anthocyanin is the same thing that makes red cabbage, red wine, and purple corn purple.
The Different Types of Blueberries
- Highbush Blueberries: These are the most common blueberries, and are what most people think of when blueberries are mentioned. Highbush blueberries are dark blue with glossy, smooth skin. These are great for eating fresh out of hand, baking, or making jams and syrups.
- Lowbush Blueberries: Lowbush blueberries are smaller, wilder blueberries that are native to certain parts of North America. Lowbush blueberries are smaller, tarter, and grow on smaller bushes. They’re often cultivated in difficult growing conditions. These are great for baking and can also be eaten fresh when they’re in season.
- Elliot Blueberries: Elliot blueberries are smaller, rounder, and tarter than other types of blueberries. While highbush and lowbush blueberries are meant to be eaten fresh, Elliots are usually eaten as baked goods like muffins, scones, and crumpets.
- Half-High Blueberries: half-high blueberries are a cross between the highbush and lowbush blueberries. They have the size of the highbush blueberry, with the sweetness of the lowbush blueberry.
- Pioneer Blueberries: Pioneer blueberries are a type of lowbush blueberry that’s recently been developed. These are thought to be easier to cultivate and yield larger crops than regular lowbush blueberries.
- Rabbiteye Blueberries: Rabbiteye blueberries are blueberries that are native to the Southern United States. They’re smaller than most blueberries, but they produce a lot of berries on a single bush. These are great for eating fresh and can also be made into jams.
- Siberian Blueberries: Siberian blueberries are a hybrid blueberry that’s been bred for their large size. They’re 6 times larger than regular blueberries and have a very sweet, juicy taste.
- Northern Blueberries: Northern blueberries are a cross between highbush and rabbiteye blueberries. They’re larger than rabbiteye and smaller than highbush. Northern blueberries produce a large number of berries on a single bush.
What’s The Difference Between Blueberries And Purple Berries?
- Blueberries are a type of berry, but not all berries are blueberries.
- There are many berries that are purple and not blueberries!
- Blueberries are in a class of their own when it comes to the color purple, but there are many other berries that are purple as well.
- Blueberries are a type of berry, but they’re also their own berry. They’re commonly known as the “blueberry berry”.
- Blueberries are the only food that can be described as a blueberry berry. That being said, there are other berries that are purple (and therefore have the same anthocyanin that gives blueberries their color), but they aren’t blueberries.
How Do Blueberries Turn Purple?
- Blueberries are normally green in color, but what makes these berries turn purple? The answer to this question is anthocyanin, an antioxidant pigment that is naturally found in plants and other fruits.
- As the berries are ripening, the amount of anthocyanin is increasing and hence the color of these berries is turning purple.
- Generally, the blueberries that we find in the market are the cultivated variety, which is smaller in size.
- These berries are grown with the help of pesticides such as methyl bromide and chloropicrin.
- The pesticides are sprayed on the plants to prevent damage caused by pests and diseases.
- If you are looking for chemical-free blueberries, then try to find varieties that are marked as ‘organic’.
Benefits Of Eating Blueberries
Blueberries are considered among the most nutrient-dense fruits in the world. Blueberries have a multitude of health benefits and are loved by many. Blueberries have the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve eye health, boost brain function, fight inflammation, and much more. The anthocyanin in the blueberry is what gives it many of its health benefits. Anthocyanin has antioxidant properties and can help reduce the risk of degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Let’s look at some of the major health benefits of blueberries
- Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. – Blueberries can help improve brain function and memory.
- Blueberries can lower the risk of macular degeneration, which is a common eye disorder that results in loss of vision.
- Blueberries can help reduce inflammation in the body and can be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Blueberries can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Blueberries are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for the digestive system.
- Blueberries can help prevent and treat constipation.
- Blueberries can promote healthy kidney function.
- Blueberries can help prevent certain types of cancers, such as bladder and colon cancer.
- Blueberries can help reduce the risk of stroke and diabetic neuropathy.
Tips For Selecting The Best Blueberries
- As you know, blueberries are very nutritious, but you need to make sure that the blueberries you buy are fresh. To achieve this, you should always look for firm and plump blueberries with a deep blue color.
- Avoid blueberries that are soft or have black spots or white mold. You can also smell the blueberries to make sure they are fresh. If they smell like blueberries, then they are fresh. If you want to store blueberries for later, put them in an airtight container in a cool place. If you want to freeze blueberries, make sure you thaw them before eating.
- Blueberries have a short shelf life, so make sure that you consume them within a few days after buying them. However, if you want to store them for long, then make sure you freeze them. Blueberries can be consumed as is or can be used in making various desserts and desserts.
3 Health Benefits Of Blueberries
There are many health benefits of blueberries, and below are a few of them – – Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
- Blueberries can help improve brain function and memory.
- Blueberries can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Blueberries are rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for the digestive system.
- Blueberries can help prevent and treat constipation.
- Blueberries can promote healthy kidney function.
- Blueberries can help prevent certain types of cancers, such as bladder and colon cancer.
- Blueberries can help reduce the risk of stroke and diabetic neuropathy.
- Blueberries can help improve sleep and mood.
Conclusion
Blueberries are a delicious, nutritious, and low-calorie fruit. They’re especially popular during the summer when they’re at their most abundant. Blueberries contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re a great source of vitamin C and fiber, as well as being low in calories. Blueberries can be used in baked goods, desserts, salads, cereals, and more! They’re often eaten fresh, but they can also be frozen, dried, and made into jams, syrups, and more. Blueberries are one of the easiest berries to cultivate, making them an incredibly cheap and accessible fruit.
