Blueberry
Blueberry is a shrub in the heather family (Ericaceae), which also includes cranberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Blueberries grow all over the world, but they are native to North America. Aboriginal peoples dried them in the sun and stored them for use year-round. Blueberries are big business in North America, with major growing regions in Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of blueberries come from a class of antioxidants called anthocyanins; these are the deep blue-purple pigments the plant produces to attract birds and insects. The anthocyanins are thought to pass through the blood-brain barrier to improve the health of the brain—memory in particular.
The antioxidant benefit from blueberries seems to be DNA-dependent. Research has shown the effectiveness of these berries (how well they protect the heart and brain) is much greater in some people than in others.
Blueberries have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and the potential to lower blood sugar levels.
DIFFICULTY
Easy to medium
HARDINESS
Perennial in zones 3 to 4 or above, depending on variety
TIME TO PLANT
Early spring, as soon as soil is workable
TIME TO HARVEST
Mid- to late summer
LOCATION
Full sun
SOIL TYPE
Moist, slightly acidic (see opposite)
Growing
Blueberries can be grown anywhere, from pots to formal gardens; they’re typically used as hedges or grown in clusters. They offer three seasons of interest in the garden: In early spring, the shrubs produce delicate white or pink flowers. In summer, the fruit has an attractive sky-blue colour. In fall, the foliage adds explosions of red and yellow to end the garden season.
Common Varieties: There are three basic classifications: highbush, lowbush, and hybrid half-high. Highbush varieties (‘Blue Crop’, ‘Blue Ray’, ‘Jersey’, ‘Pioneer’) are the most common and are typically hardy to zone 4. Lowbush varieties are best for colder climates (up to zone 3). Hybrid half-high varieties (‘Northcountry’, ‘Northland’, ‘Northblue’) combine properties from the other two.
PLANT
Plant blueberries in early spring or as soon as your soil is frost-free and workable. Locate them in full sun, and space them 1 to
2 metres (3 to 6 feet) apart. Plant more than one to ensure ample pollination.
It’s difficult to find the ideal soil for blueberries. This plant likes soil that is both well-drained and acidic. Unfortunately, clay soils are naturally acidic but poorly drained, while sandy soils are well-drained but lack acidity. You can amend clay soils with a peat/sand mixture, or amend sandy soils with peat to improve absorption and acidity. But in most cases you’ll need to apply sulphur to lower the pH.
The pH level in the soil affects a plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and minerals. The lower the number, the higher the acidity. Most plants like soils with neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). But some, including clematis, enjoy alkaline soils (pH 7.1 to 8.0), while many fruiting plants enjoy acidic soils. Blueberries are in that latter category: it’s essential to grow them in soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.2. Before planting, pick up a soil tester at your garden centre.
GROW
Blueberries require ample water to improve fruit size and yields. Water deeply, ensuring the water penetrates into the soil, as often as 3 times per week. Use a soaker hose to avoid watering the foliage. Mulch is also a big help: It not only helps maintain moisture, but mulch of pine or spruce needles will naturally improve soil acidity.
Prune any dead or weak stems early in spring. Prune to shape in fall or after harvest.
Blueberries are resistant to most diseases and insects, so they can easily be grown organically. The challenge will be battling the birds and bears for the fruit! Garden mesh or owl statues will discourage birds and smaller rodents. Larger furry friends pose greater challenges: call your local Ministry of Natural Resources!
HARVEST
Yields in the first couple of seasons will be modest, but when the bushes mature they can produce up to 6.75 kg (15 lb) of fruit annually. To see if the blueberries are ready to pick, place a bucket under the bush and gently move the foliage around with your hand: ripe blueberries will fall into the bucket. Many varieties will produce berries continuously and can be picked every 5 to 10 days.
STORE
Do not wash blueberries until you need them. Store blueberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, wash, drain, and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to resealable bags. You can also preserve blueberries in jams and spreads.
Put It to Work
Need a breakfast makeover? Have a blueberry smoothie!
If you want to remain in good health, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. “Breaking your fast” is important for your brain and blood nutrient levels, and for increasing your energy. Smoothies have become a popular breakfast because they are fast, simple, easy to digest, and super-healthy. Toss these ingredients in a blender to kick-start your morning:
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 red pear, peeled and cored
½ apple, peeled and cored
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tsp vanilla whey, soy, or rice protein powder
Coping with stress? Don some antioxidant armour!
Stress is North America’s number 1 silent killer, because it contributes to the development of free radicals. These aren’t right-wing political activists: they’re atoms with unpaired electrons that cause cell-damaging chemical reactions in the body, leading to heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Blueberries can help! They contain a wallop of antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells.
You can arm yourself with antioxidants by drinking a shot of blueberry juice every morning. Toss 1 cup of blueberries into a blender and purée. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve (discard solids).
Drink 1 ounce every morning. Store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. (Don’t make more than 5 ounces at a time. It will oxidize quickly in the refrigerator.)
Diabetic? Snack on these!
Whether you’re looking to prevent type 2 diabetes (one of the most epidemic health problems of our time) or manage it better, your fruit of choice should be the blueberry. Eat them straight-up as a snack between meals—right off the bush and into a Tupperware they go. Use an ice pack if you’re on the road.
Research has found that higher consumption of anthocyanin-rich fruit like blueberries is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (but not the juice: that’s too high in sugar). If you are trying to better manage your blood sugar, consider eating ½ cup of blueberries with 10 almonds between meals.
As always, keep your overall diet in mind. There may be an interaction in individuals with diabetes or who use blood-glucose-lowering agents. Blueberries have been found to lower blood glucose levels if consumed too frequently.
Fast Forward
Fast forward to the health food store to purchase Douglas Laboratories pTeroPure capsules or equivalent. Follow the instructions on the label.
Cautions
Avoid if you have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to blueberries or other members of the Ericaceae family.
Use cautiously with certain lipid-lowering drugs such as fibrates, as research has indicated an ingredient in blueberries called pterostilbenecan can reduce cholesterol and other lipids.