The blueberry is a member of the heath family that produces edible berries. It grows in fresh heath forests and other moist, grove-like woodlands. It is found throughout Finland. The plant flowers in May and June; its reddish, bell-shaped flowers appear singly in the leaf axils. The berries generally ripen from the beginning of July onwards. They can be picked by hand or with a berry picker.
Uses of the blueberry
Blueberries contain very little fruit acid. Instead, they are rich in vitamins—particularly vitamins A, B, and C—as well as manganese, magnesium, calcium, fiber, and flavonoids.
Blueberries are suitable ingredients for dishes such as berry soups, pastries, porridges, jams, and juices. They are preserved by freezing, drying, crushing, or boiling into juice and jam. The food industry uses blueberries to produce juices, jams, juice concentrates, dried berries, berry powders, and cereal and dairy products. Additionally, blueberry leaves can be used to make items such as tea or berry wine.In Finland, the blueberry is the second most important commercial wild berry, with an annual harvest of 150–250 million kilograms. Due to its properties, it is one of Finland's key natural export products. In Finland, blueberries can be picked for sale tax-free. The highbush blueberry grown in gardens is a different species, usually originating from North America.
What Can You Make with Wild Blueberries?
