Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.): Benefits, Cultivation, and Uses

BLUEBERRY 

Latin Name: Vaccinium myrtillus L.

Local Names: Yaban mersini, Maviyemiş, Likapa, Mavi üzüm

English Name: Blueberry 

Botanical Characteristics

Blueberry belongs to the plant kingdom, dicotyledonous class, order Ericales, family Ericaceae, and genus Vaccinium L.. In Turkey, naturally occurring species exist but have not been cultivated (Vaccinium myrtillus L., Vaccinium arctostaphylos L., Vaccinium uliginosum L., Vaccinium vitis–idaea L.).

The plant shows a bush-like structure. Its above-ground organs consist of new shoots emerging from the base, woody shrub-like stems, and new green lateral shoots arising from older branches. Its upright shoots may live 10–20 years. Tall shrub forms can grow up to 120–130 cm.

Blueberry flowers develop within flower buds formed on the summer shoots of the previous year and bloom the following year. Pollination requires insects, especially bees. Tall shrub types have thin, fibrous roots without root hairs, spreading up to 180 cm laterally and 90 cm deep. Low shrub types also lack root hairs, exhibiting spreading growth and gradually merging into what appears to be a single plant.

Cultivation

Flowering varies depending on variety and climate but generally lasts 3–4 weeks. In the Northern Hemisphere, flowering occurs between April and May. About 80% of flowers turn into fruits.

Blueberries thrive in acidic soils. Suitable soils should have a pH of 4.5–5.2. If sandy or sandy-loam soils have a pH of 5.0–6.5, sulfur applications should be made to lower it to 4.5–5.0, ideally one year before planting, mixed into the top 20 cm of soil.

The best growing areas are sunny or slightly shaded, with good drainage and air circulation, and preferably facing south or northwest. The plant requires a 160-day growing period and 300–1000 chilling hours below 7 ºC.

Blueberries tolerate severe cold. Shoots under snow can withstand –40 ºC, while flowers begin to be damaged at –2.2 ºC. Natural habitats where wild blueberries grow include rhododendrons, laurel, alder, beech, and pine forests.

Planting distances: 1.0–1.5 m between plants, 1.5–3.0 m between rows. Seedlings must be disease-free and virus-free.

Yield: Economic yield begins in the 3rd year, increases steadily for 3–5 years, and reaches maximum production in the 6th–7th year.

Nutritional Content and Active Compounds 

Blueberry is rich in nutrients that help reduce cellular damage and support the immune system.

• Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A

• Minerals: Potassium, manganese

• Compounds: Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, pigments, antioxidants, dietary fiber

A cup (145 g) of blueberries contains:

• 21 g carbohydrates

• 1 g protein

• 0.5 g fat

• 19 mg Vitamin C

• 145 IU Vitamin A

• 85 calories

In 100 g of edible blueberries:

• 83% water

• 0.7% protein

• 0.5% fat

• 15% carbohydrates

• 1.5% fiber

• 62 calories

Blueberries are sodium-free but very rich in potassium, essential for heart health and rhythm. With sucrose at 3% and high levels of glucose (48%) and fructose (49%), they lower blood sugar. Dried and powdered blueberries are used as natural sweeteners for diabetics.

Uses

Cosmetics

• Protects against UV damage

• Promotes cell regeneration

• Slows aging effects

• Firms and tones skin

• Reduces wrinkles

Dietary Supplements

• Antioxidant support

• Weight management and diet aid

Food and Beverages

• Tea, juice, jam, marmalade

• Wine and liqueur production

Pet Health and Cosmetics

• Ingredient in cat and dog food

Herbal Medicine

• Syrups and vitamin supplements

Cleaning and Personal Care

• Skin lotions and antiseptics

Extract Forms: Powder and liquid