Lowbush Blueberry

The Lowbush Blueberry is not only a delicate forest fruit but also a true antioxidant powerhouse – ideal for boosting the immune system and as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Name:

German: Niedrige Heidelbeere

English: Lowbush Blueberry

Latin: Vaccinium angustifolium

Plant Group / Family:

Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Subgroup: Blueberries

Distribution:

Native origin: North America

Current distribution: Forests and open areas in temperate to subarctic regions of North America

Identification:

Height: 10-50 cm

Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped, and alternate, with smooth edges

Flowers: Small, bell-shaped, pinkish-white flowers that bloom in late spring

Fruit: Dark blue, aromatic berries that grow in dense clusters and ripen from late July to August

Bark/Stem: Branching, woody stems that spread as ground cover

Uses:

Medicinal:

  • Antioxidant: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help reduce cell damage and strengthen the immune system.
  • Heart Health: Consuming the berries can help lower cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: In natural medicine, the berries are used for inflammatory ailments and to relieve joint pain.

 

Culinary: The berries of the Lowbush Blueberry are sweet and flavorful, ideal for fresh consumption or for making jams, syrups, juices, and as an ingredient in baked goods.

Decorative: Appreciated as a ground cover in natural gardens and heath landscapes, particularly suitable for cool, acidic soils.

Other: This plant is a valuable food source for wildlife, including bears, birds, and small mammals.

Toxicity:

Toxic Parts: None

Symptoms: None

First Aid: –

Look-alike Species:

Similar Plants: Other blueberry species (e.g., Vaccinium myrtilloides)

Differences: Lower growth height and smaller leaves; characteristic intense blue fruits

Additional Information:

Care: Prefers acidic, well-drained soils with high humus content.

Growing Conditions: Sunny to partially shaded locations, suitable for moist to dry conditions in cooler climates.

Special Notes: The plant is well-suited for natural garden areas and can help improve soil quality.

Lowbush Blueberry Jelly

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Lowbush Blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium)
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Pectin (optional, depending on the natural pectin content of the berries)

 

Preparation:

  • Prepare berries: Wash the blueberries thoroughly and lightly crush to release the juice more easily.
  • Cook berries: In a large pot, bring the berries and water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the berries are soft and have released their juice.
  • Strain juice: Pour the cooked berries through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to collect the juice.
  • Make jelly: Return the juice to the pot, add sugar and lemon juice, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Pectin can be added if needed.
  • Cook to gel point: Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the gelling point (about 105 °C or 220 °F).
  • Fill jars: Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, seal, and process in a water bath for about 10 minutes.

 

Use:
This jelly is excellent as a sweet spread or glaze for desserts.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Lowbush Blueberries
  • 2 cup water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Preparation:

  • Cook berries: Bring washed berries and water to a boil in a large pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the berries are soft.
  • Strain juice: Strain the mixture through a fine strainer or cheesecloth and collect the juice.
  • Make syrup: Pour the juice into a clean pot, add sugar and lemon juice, and heat, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
  • Reduce syrup: Bring the syrup to a boil and cook for a few minutes until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
  • Bottle the syrup: Pour the hot syrup into sterilized bottles or jars and store in the refrigerator.

 

Use:
Perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or as a base for drinks.

Fruit Leather:

Preparation: Spread the leftover fruit pulp thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry it at a low temperature (about 50°C) in the oven or a dehydrator for several hours until it reaches a leathery consistency. Cut the dried fruit leather into strips and roll them up. This fruit leather is a healthy and durable snack that can be stored for a long time..

Marmalade:

Preparation: Reheat the pressed fruits with some water and sugar until a thick mixture forms. Puree the mixture and strain it through a sieve for a smooth consistency. Add more sugar if necessary to adjust the taste. This marmalade is excellent as a spread or filling for baked goods.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Lowbush Blueberries (fresh or dried)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave syrup (as a plant-based alternative to honey)

 

Preparation:

  • Heat berries and water: Place blueberries and water in a small pot and heat gently until the berries are soft and release their juice (about 15 minutes).
  • Strain and reduce: Strain the mixture through a fine strainer, collect the juice, and return it to the pot. Continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
  • Add sweetener: Add maple or agave syrup for added flavor.

 

Use:
Take 1–2 teaspoons of the extract per day to help reduce cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health. Store in a cool, dry place; keeps for up to one week.

Note: The extract from the Lowbush Blueberry helps regulate cholesterol levels and supports the cardiovascular system due to its high content of bioactive compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols. Here’s how it works:

  • Inhibits cholesterol absorption: Anthocyanins in Lowbush Blueberry can reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines, so less cholesterol enters the bloodstream.
  • Increases HDL cholesterol („good“ cholesterol): The extract promotes HDL cholesterol, which transports excess cholesterol to the liver for breakdown.
  • Lowers LDL cholesterol („bad“ cholesterol): Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which otherwise could lead to arterial deposits.
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: The anti-inflammatory properties of Lowbush Blueberry support blood vessel health and reduce the risk of deposits from inflammatory processes.

 

These effects promote vascular health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried Lowbush Blueberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or olive oil

 

Preparation:

  • Make paste: Place blueberries with water in a pot and simmer over low heat until a thick, soft consistency forms.
  • Add oil: Add coconut or olive oil and mix well until smooth. Let cool.

 

Use:
Apply the paste to sore joints and gently massage. Leave on for 15–20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. This application can be done once daily or as needed.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried blueberry leaves (Vaccinium angustifolium)
  • 250 ml hot water

 

Preparation:

  • Steep leaves: Place dried blueberry leaves in a cup and pour hot water over them.
  • Let steep: Let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes, then strain the leaves.

 

Use:
This tea supports digestion and can help with mild stomach discomfort.

Medical Disclaimer

The recipes and information provided here are for informational purposes only and do not replace the advice of a doctor or medical professional. If you have any health concerns or uncertainties, always consult a physician.