In 1615, Samuel de Champlain watched the Aboriginals gather and dry blueberries in the Lake Huron region. Once dried, blueberries were crushed and mixed with cornmeal, water and honey to make pudding called ‘sautautig.’
The genus Vaccinium L. includes approximately 400 species, which are concentrated in the montane tropics but extend to all continents except Australia.
Blueberries should be planted where they have full sunlight most of the day, and far enough from roots of trees to avoid competition for moisture and nutrients.
They are shallow-rooted plant and must be either irrigated, heavily mulched, or planted in a soil with a high water table. Adequate drainage must be provided, however, because they cannot tolerate wet feed.
It is a high value crop which can thrive on acidic, imperfectly drained sandy soils, once conspired worthless for agriculture crop production.
Blueberries have a wonderful taste and are quite nutritious. They are low in calories and sodium and are a good source of fiber and pectin, both known to lower blood cholesterol levels.
The rich dark color in blueberries provides lots of antioxidants that protect the cells in human body from damage by free radicals. In fact, blueberries have more antioxidants than any other commercially grown fruit.
Fruit of blueberries
