Trends in the global blueberry market show that interest in the perennially popular fruit remains high and is likely to continue to grow. one analysis According to , the global blueberry market was valued at $2.65 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to more than $4 billion by 2029.
There are many reasons why people love blueberries, including their “long shelf life, natural sweetness and flavor, and the ease with which they can be incorporated into a variety of foods,” says Weill Cornell Medical. says Dr. Carolyn Newberry, the center’s chief physician and nutritional scientist. in New York City.
In fact, blueberries are popular in smoothies and are often toppings on Greek yogurt, pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, waffles, and salads. This fruit is also commonly found in a variety of baked goods such as muffins, scones, cookies, breads, pies, cheesecakes, cobbler, and potato chips.
In addition to being delicious in so many different foods, “blueberries are an easily transportable fruit, making them a great option for people on the go,” says Carolyn Susie, registered dietitian and government spokesperson. says. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Blueberries are also a treasure trove of nutrients.”
What are blueberries?
Blueberries are a member of the Ericaceae family, which also includes huckleberries, cranberries, lingonberries, and more than 4,000 species of flowering plants.
Blueberries generally grow on ground blueberry bushes in humid, temperate climates and require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, although some varieties can grow in cooler temperatures. The world’s largest producer of blueberries is China, followed by the United States and Peru.
According to Susie, the main types of blueberries in the United States are Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, Rabbiteye, Lowbush, and Half Highbush.
Good question:Is cranberry juice good for you? What experts want you to know
Are blueberries good for you?
No matter which variety you choose, blueberries are packed with many health benefits. For example, 100 grams of fruit (approximately 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups, depending on size) contains biotin, fiber, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, and more than 8 milligrams of vitamin C. , and also contains a small amount of vitamin C. protein, iron, phosphorus, potassium, US Department of Agriculture.
Mr Newberry praised the fruit’s manganese content for its ability to “keep bones strong”. Especially because of its vitamin C content, which is a powerful antioxidant that “promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of disease.” They also say that blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which “helps blood clot in the event of an injury.”
Anthocyanins are another antioxidant that is abundant in blueberries and is known to have benefits such as improving cognitive function and athletic performance.
Blueberries are also high in fiber, with about 4 grams per cup, which can slow down digestion, “making them a blood sugar-friendly food,” says Susie. Blueberries are rich in fiber, so they keep you full. low in calories (only 64 calories per 100 grams), which means this fruit can help with healthy weight management.
What are antioxidants?What foods contain them and how they affect aging
Is it okay to eat blueberries every day?
Despite so many nutritional benefits, some people need to be careful about how much blueberries they consume. For example, for people with sensitive stomachs or digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, consuming too many blueberries can cause stomach pain, constipation, and cramps. If you have food allergies related to plants in the Ericaceae family, blueberries can also cause allergic reactions such as hives and swelling.
Additionally, blueberries contain vitamin K, so “people taking certain types of blood-thinning medications should talk to their doctor about how much is safe to take.” “Maybe,” Newberry warns. Fruits can also interact negatively with cholesterol-lowering drugs.
And because of their seasonality, “blueberries can be expensive at certain times of the year,” Newberry added. “However, frozen blueberries can be cost-effective because they are available year-round and can be purchased in bulk and stored easily.”
