Blueberries

Blueberries are a widely distributed and widespread group of perennial flowering plants with blue or purple berries. They are categorized as belonging to the Vaccinium genus Cyanococcus section. Blueberries are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants, which play a role in preventing cell damage and may reduce chronic disease risk. Native to North America are both wild (lowbush) and cultivated (highbush) blueberries used for commercial purposes. The 1930s saw the introduction of highbush varieties into Europe.

The height of blueberries, which are typically prostrate shrubs, can range from 10 cm to 4 m. Lowbush blueberries, which are synonymous with "wild", are the species with tiny, pea-sized berries that grow on low-level bushes used for commercial blueberry production. Highbush blueberries, on the other hand, are the species with larger berries that grow on taller, cultivated bushes. Canada is the leading producer of lowbush blueberries, while the United States produces some 40% of the world's supply of highbush blueberries.