Blueberries Family
Blueberries (family, Ericaceae; genus, Vaccinium) are indigenous to North America.
The Vaccinium genus consists of many species, which have edible fruits.
Like bilberry (V. myrtillus), cranberry (V. macrocarpon), lingonberry (V. oxycoccus), and huckleberry (V. ovatum and V. vaccillans), blueberries are valued fruits.
Native American enjoyed fresh blueberries and also dried them for use with other foods. They are believed to use blueberry roots and leaves as medicine.
A tea made from blueberry leaves was considered good for blood and blueberry juice was used to treat cough. These early insights and experiences about health benefits of blueberries are now being corroborated.
Experts showed that blueberry leaves have higher phenolic and antioxidants values than the fruit tissues. In laboratory studies, dried extract of blueberries having high antioxidants reversed signs of aging.
Other studies have shown that specific wild blueberry extracts may have anti-adhesion and chemopreventive properties.
Thus, the blueberries are emerging as a functional fruit for improving health and quality of life.
The family of blueberries
The Birth of America's Favorite Treat: The Invention of the Chocolate
Covered Ice Cream Bar
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In 1920, Christian Kent Nelson, an innovative confectioner, revolutionized
the world of frozen treats when he crafted America's first
chocolate-covered ice...