About Hillcrest Blueberry Farm Blueberries
 Blueberries are flowering plants in the genus Vaccinium, section Cyanococcus. Blueberry species are native only to North America.
Emerging blueberries are pale green at first, then turn reddish-purple as they start to ripen, and finally turn deep indigo when ripe. Blueberries have a sweet taste when mature with variable acidity. Louisiana Blueberry bushes typically start bearing ripe fruit in June. Blueberry season peaks in July which is National Blueberry Month.
The origin of the Louisiana Blueberry comes from the Rabbit Eye plant (V. virgatum, syn. V. ashei) found in South Georgia and North Florida. Plants were brought into DeSoto Parish in the early 80's by Kay and Jay Jones which began an industry that thrives today.
There are 1,000,000 lbs of berries produced in Louisiana annually with markets that range from commerical wholesale to "you pick" abreviated "U-PICK" by local farmers.
 Blueberries have a log shelf life when unwashed and can be prepared in many ways. From jelly to muffins to just plain eating, the blueberry is a very versatile fruit.
Since 2005, blueberries have been discussed among a category of health foods called "superfoods" or "superfruits" having a desirable combination of rich nutrients, high level of antioxidants, and growing scientific study for health benefits. Blueberry juice is now a common superfood on many grocery store shelves along side pomegranate and other specialty juice products.
Blueberries have many micronutrients with high levels of the essential vitamins and minerals including manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber. One serving of blueberries provides a relatively low glycemic load score of 4 out of 100 per day. Blueberries also contain anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments, and various phytochemicals possibly having a role in reducing risks of some diseases including inflammation and some cancers.
Researchers have shown that blueberry anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols, and tannins inhibit mechanisms of cancer cell development. Similar to red grapes, blueberries contain in their skins significant levels of resveratrol, a phytochemical known for potential health-promoting properties.
Some reports even indicate that consumption of blueberries may alleviate the cognitive decline occurring in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions of aging. Research has also shown that blueberries may help prevent urinary tract infections.
Last Modified: April 2, 2009
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