Text size: a a a a

FOOD FACTS

Fruits

Blueberries

Blueberries

  1. Availability:
  2. J
  3. F
  4. M
  5. A
  6. M
  7. J
  8. J
  9. A
  10. S
  11. O
  12. N
  13. D

Introduction

Varieties

Ontario has two basic types: lowbush and highbush. The lowbush grows wild and is cultivated in Ontario. Highbush blueberries grow up 6-8 feet in height.

Highbush berry plants are sensitive to winter damage, but their fruit is larger than the lowbush variety.


Nutrition

Blueberries are a source of Vitamin C and fibre; one-half cup contains 41 calories.


History

Blueberries are native to North America with large stands in the Maritimes and coastal New England.

In 1976, the highbush berries began to be cultivated in Ontario.

Surprisingly, acid rain has stimulated the growth of natural stands of lowbush berries in some inland areas by reducing the pH level of the soil.