Blueberries and blueberries: what is the difference, useful properties

Despite the fact that blueberries and blueberries belong to the same heather family, they are two different berries. They differ in both external parameters and useful properties. Novice amateur gardeners can not always distinguish these plants. This article will help you understand the features and learn the distinctive features of these shrubs.

First of all we will focus on the external differences and the description of blueberries and blueberries.

• The height of the shrub. Blueberries are much larger than blueberries, as this plant can reach 1.5 meters in height. Blueberries, on the contrary, can climb along the ground, so it does not grow upwards.
• Stem. In blueberry, it is more stiff, covered with bark, has a lighter shade. At the same time, blueberries have green shoots that are characterized by a darker color. The bark of the stem is not covered.
• The shape of the berries. In shape, blueberry fruits resemble a pear, they are slightly elongated. While blueberry berries are rounded.
• Size of berries. Blueberry berries are slightly larger than blueberries.
• Fruit color. Blueberries have a dark blue color, there is a small white bloom. Blueberry fruits have a bluish-blue color.
• Pulp color. These berries are easily distinguished by the color of the pulp and juice. Blueberry pulp has a dark blue color and can even stain hands and clothing. While the blueberry pulp has a greenish tint, leaving no visible marks on the hands or things.
• Taste qualities. If you compare the two berries to taste, then the gourmets will prefer the rich blueberry flavor, while the sour blueberry may not please everyone.
• Growing up. Bilberry bushes are wild plants, often they are not cultivated. Breeders mainly work with blueberry seedlings.

By the number of nutrients that are part of both berries, there is also a difference. Both berries are considered low-calorie:

• 100 grams of blueberries contain 57 kilocalories;
• 100 grams of blueberry includes only 39 calories.

Blueberries are rich in vitamins and trace elements. Its structure includes:

• tannins;
• organic acids;
• vitamins of group B and C;
• carotene;
• iron;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• copper;
• phosphorus.

The number of useful substances blueberries also boast. The structure of its fruit includes such useful elements as:

• cellulose;
• sodium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• carotenoids;
• vitamins A, C, PP, K and group B.

Both berries are widely used both in traditional medicine and in popular ways of confronting various ailments.

The benefits of blueberries.

• Not only fruits have healing properties, but also blueberry leaves. A decoction of them is widely used as a natural antibacterial agent. It is used to treat throat, cough, and also to get rid of ailments that are infectious in nature.
• The most well-known healing properties of blueberries are used to minimize the risk of deterioration of visual function. Therefore, this plant is one of the constituent parts of various drugs aimed at improving the quality of vision. This plant is also effective against conjunctivitis.
• Due to the presence of astringent properties, tincture from this bush is used during diarrhea.

• This plant is very effective for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, since it can improve the intestinal microflora and disinfects the stomach.
• The berries contain a large amount of antioxidants, so they are recommended to be eaten to prevent the formation of poor-quality tumors.
• Since pectin is part of the fruits of this shrub, they allow you to clear the body of toxins and toxins, as well as other dangerous substances.
• Regular consumption of blueberry berries is a preventive way to avoid serious heart and vascular diseases. Eating such berries on an ongoing basis allows you to cope with the symptoms of diabetes. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the immune system. Anti-inflammatory properties of blueberries are used to get rid of rheumatism, colitis, various diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as kidney and liver.
• In folk medicine, a variety of recipes based on this plant are used to heal the purulent wounds of the dermis, and to treat burns. Very often, blueberry pulp is added to a variety of cosmetics that are used to care for the skin of the face.

The benefits of blueberries.

• The benefits of blueberries have long been known for the fact that this berry helps to cope with a variety of oncological ailments. Pectins, which are part of this plant, allow you to remove radionuclides and heavy metal compounds. Due to the presence of vitamin P, it is used to prevent varicose veins, as it can increase the elasticity of the vascular walls.
• Since this berry normalizes metabolic processes in the body and reduces the proportion of sugar in the blood, it is recommended for people suffering from diabetes. It allows you to significantly enhance the effectiveness of medicines, this property becomes very relevant during the medical treatment of serious ailments.
• Vitamin A in the blueberry structure helps relieve tension and helps restore vision. Regularly eating the berries of this plant has a positive effect on human memory.

• Patients suffering from gastritis with low acidity, it is recommended to use berries, ground with sugar. In addition, the fruits of this shrub differ antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Teas and decoctions, which are based on the dried fruits of this shrub, are used to combat dysentery and diarrhea. Vitamin drinks are made from the leaves. A decoction of leaves and twigs is useful for heart disease.

Experts recommend to use blueberries in case of deterioration of visual function. But at the same time, if it is necessary to improve memory and brain activity, then it is better to eat blueberries. If it is necessary to strengthen the immune system and fill the body with useful substances, then you can use both berries.

Despite the abundance of positive properties of both plants, their excessive use can harm the body.

• Eat blueberries should be careful not to abuse this berry. Since it contains a large amount of antioxidants, its excessive use can provoke a violation of muscle function, as they will not receive enough oxygen.
• Women during pregnancy and lactation also need to use the fruits of this shrub with care, because the substances in their composition can cause intoxication or an allergic reaction in the baby.
• Patients suffering from biliary tract dyskinesia should not consume such fruits, as this can cause exacerbation of this disease.

Carefully eat blueberries should be people who:

• suffer from urolithiasis, namely: have oxalate stones;
• have pancreatic dysfunction;
• imbalances in the functioning of the liver and gallbladder are observed;
• have individual intolerance to the components that make up these berries.

It is rather difficult to evaluate the taste qualities of both fruits, since each berry has its supporters. The taste of blueberries and blueberries is very different.

Blueberry berries belong to the sweeter species. Therefore, very often they are used to create a variety of desserts, as well as a filling for pies and dumplings. Despite the rather sweet taste of their caloric content is very low, so blueberries can fearlessly be consumed even by people who lead a healthy lifestyle and prefer diet food.

Blueberry fruits differ in sourish taste and greater fleshyness. They are also used to prepare a variety of sweets, but combine this berry with sugar or syrup. The taste of blueberry will be enjoyed by those who have a sweet tooth, who prefer that the dessert is not cloyingly sweet, but the slight sourness of the berries and fruits that make up it is felt.

Both types of fruits are transported rather difficult, as they quickly crumple and deteriorate during transportation and delivery to the destination. Fruits are stored in a cool place for no more than 2 weeks.

And blueberry and blueberry berries can be harvested for the winter in the form of compotes. They are also beautifully stored frozen or dried, preserving the entire set of useful and nutrients.

It cannot be said that a berry wins or loses in comparison. Both plants have healing properties. The only blueberry is much easier to grow in your backyard. Bilberry is a rather capricious plant, therefore it is very difficult to create favorable conditions for its growth, which will resemble a forest environment. The result is that many fans of this plant are sent to him in the woods.

See the following video for a comparison of blueberries and blueberries.