National Blueberry Day is celebrated on July 8 every year. We celebrate this day to share information about how blueberries are good for our health. This holiday is about our favorite tasty fruit, which is full of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. Blueberries offer many health benefits. They are perfect for a hot to keep us feeling refreshed. The juicy, delicious flavor of blueberries is something we all love.
Know the History of National Blueberry Day
Blueberries are flowering plants that grow yearly and are native to North America. The berries are found in several colors like blue and purple. Modern blueberries are a recent development, first cultivated in the 1900s.
Before that, people used to pick them up from the wild as the wild variety was not possible to feasibly grow and harvest on farms.
We’ve been eating wild blueberries for over 13,000 years. Native Americans knew about the fruit’s versatility and health benefits, using them in medicines and as flavoring in food.
The origin of commercially available blueberries goes back to Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville.
They discovered how to grow blueberries and cultivated them on their farm. Because of their efforts, we can now enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of blueberries.
As previously mentioned, blueberries provide many health benefits. Numerous studies suggest that eating blueberries daily can improve health by lowering cholesterol levels, promoting heart health, reducing DNA damage, fighting aging and cancer, improving brain function, and combating diabetes.
In North America, blueberries are harvested from April to September. We celebrate Blueberry Day and Blueberry Month during this time.
| 1300 years ago (Native Americans Consume Blueberries) | Native Americans understand the benefits of blueberries and start to consume them. |
| 1911 (First Blueberry Cultivation) | Elizabeth White, along with Frederick Coville, successfully grows blueberries on their farm. |
| 1916 (Commercial Blueberry Crops) | Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville’s team sells their first commercial blueberry crop. |
| 1930 (Blueberry To Europe) | Europeans start to cultivate the highbush blueberry varieties. |
4 Interesting Facts About Blueberries
Largest blueberry producers: The United States and Chile are the largest blueberry producers in the world.
Naturally blue fruit: Blueberries are one of the few naturally blue fruits, this is due to a pigment called anthocyanin.
Heart-healthy food: The American Heart Association has certified blueberries as a heart-healthy food.
U.S. blueberry production: The U.S. produces about 40% of the world’s highbush blueberries.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the main benefit of blueberries?
Blueberries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide notable health benefits.
Do blueberries help you sleep?
Blueberries aid in reducing sleep deprivation caused by stress. They contain antioxidants that may help reduce stress and create a sense of calm.
How many cups of blueberries should I eat a day?
Eating one cup of blueberries a day can be beneficial for improving cardiovascular health.
You may also like to read, World Chocolate Day – July 7, 2024
