Blueberries are botanically classified in the same genus as cranberries. Blue berries are one of the few fruits which are native to North America.
Ripe blueberries acquire a deep dusty blue shade and hence the name blueberry. Ripe blueberries will have a hazy white coating(also known as bloom) on their surface which acts as a protective coating against natural elements.
Blueberries have a sweet and little acidic flavor. Blueberries grown in warmer temperature are more sweet and blueberries grown in colder climate are more acidic to the taste.
Average diameter of a blueberry can range from 0.5 – 1.6 cm. Blueberry average weight is about 0.3 grams.
Scientific name of Blueberries
Vaccinium Cyanococcus
Other names of Blueberries
- Scots Blaeberry
- Norwegian Blåbær
- Blaeberry
- Arándano
Calories by source in Blueberries
- Calories by carbohydrate in Blueberries = 91%
- Calories by fat in Blueberries = 5%
- Calories by protein in Blueberries = 4%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Blueberries
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Blueberries = 66%
- Saturated fat (SFA) in Blueberries = 13%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Blueberries = 21%
Nutrition facts of Blueberries
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 57 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.33 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 0.74 | GRAM | 1% |
| Carbohydrate | 14.49 | GRAM | 5% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Blueberries, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Blueberries, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Blueberries
- Unripe blueberries are white in color with a hint of purple color
- Fresh ripe blueberries are plump, firm dark blue/purple color
- Avoid mushy and bruised blueberries
- Bad blueberries will have formation of white mold starting from stem end
- Avoid blueberries with noticeable and prominent shriveling
- At the store, avoid punnets which show signs of leaking blueberries
- Rotten small from the box is also a giveaway that blueberries are gone bad
Availability of Blueberries
- The Seasons of blueberries depend on the geographical location where it is being cultivated
- USA – Blueberry season ranges from May – July
- Canada – Blueberry season ranges from July – September
- Mexico – Blueberry season ranges from March – May
- Poland – Blueberry season ranges from July – August
- Spain – Blueberry season ranges from march – June
- Germany – Blueberry season ranges from July – August
- Australia – Blueberry season ranges from June – February
How to store Blueberries
- Clean blueberries under a soft stream of cold water while keeping the berries on a strainer
- Yon can also clean the blueberries using water and vinegar (3:1) solution and then rinse the blueberries under cold water
- Remove moldy and bad blueberries before storing the blueberries
- Do not wash if you plan to store the blueberries (Only wash the blueberries when you intent to consume them after)
- Fresh ripe blueberries are not recommended to be stored at room temperature
- Fresh ripe blueberries can be stored in refrigerator for up-to 10 days
- Avoid placing blueberries in the coldest part of the fridge. Put them in the bottom shelf or vegetable crisper
- Blueberries can also be stored in freezer for up-to 10 months (The best quality can be maintained for up-to six months)
- For storing the blueberries in freezer, flash freeze the blueberries on a tray. After freezing, transfer the blueberries to a freezer container of bag and store in the freezer
Complete nutrition facts of Blueberries
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Blueberries nutrition chart/infographic.
