Description
Experience the juicy sweetness of our blueberries, bursting with antioxidants and perfect for snacking, adding to cereals, baking into muffins or pancakes, or blending into smoothies for a refreshing boost. Available in our Local Farm Shop in Bellaghy, Mid Ulster Area.
🫐 Blueberries: Nature’s Tiny Powerhouses
Blueberries are small, round berries that range in color from deep indigo to purplish-blue. They grow on shrubs belonging to the Vaccinium genus and are native to North America, though now cultivated worldwide.
🌿 Physical Characteristics
- Size & Shape: Typically 5–16 mm in diameter, with a flared crown at the end
- Color: Pale green when immature, turning reddish-purple, then deep blue when ripe
- Texture: Smooth skin with a powdery coating called the “bloom,” which protects the fruit
- Flowers: Urn-shaped, white to pale pink, blooming in clusters
🌱 Plant Description
- Type: Deciduous perennial shrubs
- Height: Ranges from 60 cm (lowbush) to 4 meters (highbush)
- Leaves: Simple, elliptical, arranged alternately along dotted stems
🍽️ Culinary & Nutritional Highlights
- Taste: Sweet with a hint of acidity
- Uses: Eaten fresh, baked into pastries, blended into smoothies, or made into jams and sauces
- Nutrition: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and antioxidants like anthocyanins
🌍 Varieties
- Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum): Most commonly cultivated, especially in the U.S.
- Lowbush (Vaccinium angustifolium): Often referred to as wild blueberries, smaller and more intense in flavor
Blueberries aren’t just delicious—they’re a superfood with a rich history and a vibrant presence in gardens, kitchens, and even festivals.
