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Is There a Difference Between Huckleberries and Blueberries?

(Cultivated) blueberries differ from blueberries, even if the appearance of the berries is very similar. However, both belong to the same genus: Vaccinium is a genus within the heather family (bot. Ericaceae) and the up to 500 species are mostly found in the northern hemisphere. Its small, dark blue fruits are characterized by a subtly sweetish berry-like taste and release a dark red juice.

The two types, which are often combined into one berry, have the following characteristics:

The American or cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) has larger fruit bodies – up to 3 cm, light flesh, firm berries. Cultivated blueberries come from North America and have been used there for a similar length of time as forest blueberries in Europe. The big difference to this one: They don’t dye. Cultivated blueberries are not blue on the inside and even the skin contains only a few pigments (anthocyanins).

Forest blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) have smaller fruits, up to 1 cm, which are dark blue to purple due to the high pigment content within the fruit. The species occurs throughout Europe, which can be recognized by names such as the French “myrtille” or the Italian “mirtillo”. Here, however, the shelf life is extremely limited due to the lack of firmness of the fruit. While forest blueberries can be collected in sparse forests between June and September, cultivated blueberries are available all year round as imports or from local production.

As a rule, the berries are eaten fresh, for example with milk or yoghurt, or they are used to make compotes. You can also use our blueberry jam recipe to make a wonderful fruit spread. Blueberries are also well suited for cakes, pancakes or various desserts such as blueberry muffins, clafoutis or blueberry pancakes. The dark berries give a blueberry smoothie a strong color and berry aroma. The pressure-sensitive berries should be spread out on a plate and only briefly rinsed before consumption and then carefully dabbed dry with a kitchen towel.

If you want to collect blueberries yourself, you should be well versed. Otherwise, there is a risk of confusion with the so-called bog bilberry or drunkard. This also belongs to the genus of blueberries, but in contrast to bilberries or blueberries, it can cause intoxication and symptoms of poisoning.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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