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Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Common Names of Bildberry:
 

Bilberry, European Blueberry, Whortleberry, Huckleberry, Wimberry, Blaeberry (Scotland), Whinberry (Northern England)
 

Identification of Bilberry:
 

Bilberry is a small, deciduous shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family, native to Northern Europe, particularly the UK and Scandinavia but also other parts of the world.


Key Identification Features of Bilberry:
 

  • Leaves: Small, oval, bright green leaves with finely toothed edges, turning red in autumn.

  • Stems: Angular and green, forming a low-growing shrub typically 15-60 cm tall, but can reach up to 1 meter in optimal conditions.

  • Flowers: Small, pink or white, urn-shaped flowers appearing in spring.

  • Berries: Round, dark blue-black berries with a blue-grey bloom, darker flesh than cultivated blueberries.

  • Growth Pattern: Forms dense patches in suitable habitats.

  • Height: Usually 15-60 cm tall, but can reach up to 1 meter in optimal conditions.

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Habitat of Bildberry:
 

  • Found in acidic soils, particularly in:

    • Heathland

    • Moorland

    • Pine and birch woodlands

    • Mountain slopes

    • Areas of upland Britain, particularly in Scotland, Northern England, and Wales

  • Prefers open, sunny areas but can tolerate partial shade
     

Possible Lookalikes of Bilberry:
 

  • Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum): Larger shrub with bigger, lighter-colored berries

  • Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum): Similar berries but with needle-like leaves

  • Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum): Toxic plant with similar berries but different growth habit and leaves
     

Meaning of the Latin Name Vaccinium myrtillus:
 

  • Vaccinium: Latin name traditionally used for plants bearing berries

  • Myrtillus: Meaning "little myrtle," referring to the small, myrtle-like leaves
     

Foraging Season for Bilberry:
 

  • Berries: July to October, depending on location, altitude, and weather conditions

  • Leaves: Can be collected in spring and summer when fully developed
     

Food Use of Bilberry:
 

  • Berries:

    • Fresh eating

    • Jams and preserves

    • Pies and tarts

    • Wine making

    • Syrups

    • Traditional medicinal preparations

  • Leaves: Sometimes used for tea, though they have a lower level of antioxidants compared to the berries and can be quite astringent due to their tannin content
     

Nutritional Value of Bilberry:
 

Exceptionally rich in:

  • Antioxidants (particularly anthocyanins)

  • Vitamin C

  • Tannins

  • Flavonoids

  • Minerals including manganese and zinc
     

Other Uses of Bilberry:
 

  • Medicinal: Traditionally used for:

    • Eye health

    • Blood sugar regulation

    • Improving circulation

    • Anti-inflammatory properties

  • Dye: Berries can be used to produce purple dyes
     

Safety Notes for Bilberry:
 

  • Generally very safe to consume

  • Caution:

    • Avoid consuming unripe berries

    • May interact with blood-thinning medications due to high vitamin K content

    • Don't confuse with toxic lookalikes like black nightshade

    • Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, especially those with sensitivities to other members of the Ericaceae family
       

Harvesting Tips for Bilberry:
 

  • Timing: Early morning when berries are firm, best after a dry spell

  • Methods:

    • Hand-picking individual berries (recommended for sustainability)

    • Gentle combing with specialized berry combs (use cautiously to avoid plant damage)

    • Place sheet under bush to catch falling berries

  • Sustainability:

    • Leave plenty for wildlife

    • Avoid damaging plants while picking

    • Don't strip entire patches

Preparation and Storage of Bilberry:
 

  • Fresh Berries:

    • Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week

    • Don't wash until ready to use

  • Preservation Methods:

    • Freezing (excellent method, maintains nutritional value)

    • Drying (challenging due to high water content and delicate skin)

    • Making preserves

    • Juicing
       

Additional Tips for Foragers of Bilberry:
 

  • Location Finding:

    • Look for acidic soil indicators like heather

    • Often found at higher elevations

    • More abundant in north-facing slopes

  • Picking Conditions:

    • Best after a dry spell

    • Early morning provides firmest berries

    • Berries should be fully ripe (dark blue-black)

  • Quality Assessment:

    • Look for plump, firm berries

    • Avoid berries with mold or damage

    • Check for insect infestation

  • Traditional Knowledge:

    • Often associated with grouse moors

    • Historical importance in folk medicine

    • Traditional gathering times often coincide with local festivals
       

Cultural Significance of Bilberry:
 

  • Historically important in European folk medicine

  • Traditional food source in Northern Europe

  • Featured in local customs and folklore

  • Important economic crop in some regions
     

Cultivation Notes for Bilberry:
 

  • Difficult to cultivate commercially

  • Requires specific soil conditions:

    • Acidic pH (4.5-5.5)

    • Well-draining

    • High organic matter content

  • Benefits from partial shade but prefers full sun for optimal fruit production

  • Takes several years to establish

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Are Blueberries and Bilberries the Same?

 

While blueberries and bilberries share many similarities, they are not the same fruit. Both belong to the Vaccinium genus, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

 

Here’s a detailed look at the differences and similarities between these two popular berries:

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Origins and Habitat of Blueberries and Bilberries

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  • Blueberries: Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) are native to North America and are widely cultivated commercially. They thrive in various soil types and are often found in managed orchards and gardens. Blueberries are larger, typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 inches (5-15 mm) in diameter, and have a vibrant blue color with a slight whitish bloom on the surface.

  • Bilberries: Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are native to Europe and are commonly found in wild forests and mountains. They are smaller, about 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, and have a darker, more purplish hue. Bilberries are not widely cultivated and are primarily gathered from the wild.

 

Taste and Texture of Blueberries and Bilberries

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  • Blueberries: Blueberries have a milder, sweeter flavor with a slight tartness. Their texture is soft and juicy when ripe, with a thin, smooth skin and light green flesh inside.

  • Bilberries: Bilberries have a more complex flavor, being sweet with a sharper tanginess. Their texture is denser, and the skin is slightly tougher. When cut open, bilberries reveal dark red, almost purple flesh, which is a stark contrast to the light green flesh of blueberries.

 

Nutritional Value: Blueberries vs Bilberries

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  • Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain high levels of other phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid and resveratrol.

  • Bilberries: Bilberries are especially known for their high anthocyanin content, which is even higher than that of blueberries. This makes them particularly beneficial for eye health. They are also rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and manganese.

 

Culinary Uses: Blueberries vs Bilberries

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  • Blueberries: Blueberries are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They are often used in smoothies, salads, sauces, and baked goods like muffins, pies, and pancakes. You can also enjoy them fresh as a healthy snack.

  • Bilberries: Bilberries are traditionally used in jams, jellies, and desserts like tarts and pies. Their strong flavor also lends itself well to liqueurs and wines. In Europe, bilberries are often used in similar ways to blueberries but are prized for their more intense flavor.

 

Health Benefits: Blueberries vs Bilberries

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  • Blueberries: Blueberries are associated with various health benefits, including improved cognitive function, memory enhancement, reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, and potential anti-cancer properties.

  • Bilberries: Bilberries are known for their potential benefits in improving eye health, protecting against macular degeneration, managing blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. They also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

 

Availability of Blueberries and Bilberries

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  • Blueberries: Blueberries are widely available in grocery stores and markets year-round, thanks to their commercial cultivation. They can be found fresh, frozen, or processed.

  • Bilberries: Bilberries are primarily found in the wild forests and mountains of Europe and are not widely cultivated. Their availability is seasonal, typically from mid-summer to early fall. In some regions, they may be hard to find outside of specialty food stores or online retailers.

 

Final Conclusion on the comparison of Blueberries vs Bilberries

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In conclusion, while blueberries and bilberries share many similarities, they have distinct differences in appearance, taste, nutritional composition, and availability. Both are nutritious and delicious, but the choice between them may depend on your preferences, dietary needs, and accessibility.

©2023 by Foraging and More

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