Bilberry Facts
Bilberry Facts
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| Interesting Bilberry Facts: |
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| Bilberry grows in the form of low shrub that can reach 4 to 16 inches in height and 12 inches in width. |
| Bilberry has ovate or obovate leaves with rounded tips. They are green colored and alternately arranged on the branches. |
| Bilberry produces white or pink, bell-shaped flowers. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (bisexual). |
| Bilberry blooms from April to June. Flowers attract bees, flies and butterflies, responsible for the pollination of this plant. |
| Bilberry produces numerous small, dark blue berries. They grow individually or arranged in pairs. Flesh of bilberry is red or purple colored and it easily stains fingers and tongue after consumption of the fresh fruit. Fresh bilberries are available from July to September. |
| Bilberries represent important source of food for the birds and animals in the wild. |
| Bilberries are also important part of human diet. They can be consumed fresh, dried or in the form of jams, syrups, juices and various sweet desserts (pies, muffins, cookies and cakes). |
| Bilberries are used in the manufacture of liqueurs and to improve aroma of sorbets. |
| Fruit and leaves of bilberry are used in treatment of various disorders for centuries. |
| Syrup made of fresh bilberries and honey was used in treatment of diarrhea during the 16th century in Europe. Berries were also used in treatment of scurvy (disorder induced by vitamin C deficiency), infections and kidney stones. Tea made of leaves was used in treatment of diabetes. |
| According to some stories, British and American pilots consumed bilberry jam during the WWII to improve their night vision (essential for the flights during the night). Researchers believe that invention of radar actually improved the "eyesight" of pilots during the war. |
| Medical studies showed that substances isolated from bilberries improve function of eyes and accelerate circulation of blood inside retina (inner part of an eye). |
| Bilberries are widely used in treatment of ocular and circulatory disorders, atherosclerosis and varicose veins. They can be consumed fresh or in the form of capsules and liquid extracts. |
| Juice obtained from bilberries is used as edible ink for staining the meat. Green pigment extracted from the leaves is used as natural dye in textile industry. |
| Bilberry is perennial plant, which means that it can survive more than 2 years in the wild. |
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