The main blueberry producing countries are the United States, Canada, Mexico, Poland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. 552,505 tons of blueberries are produced worldwide each year.

There are many varieties of blueberries with each being mildly different from the other. The most popular blueberry varieties are:

• Biloxi
• Bluecrop
• Blueray
• Brightwell
• Legacy
• Pink Icing
• Pink Popcorn
• Powder Blue
• Sunshine Blue
• Top Hat

Origin of blueberries

Blueberries are of North American origin. They have been consumed by Native American tribes in the US and Canada for hundreds of years and are an integral part of their culture and folklore. The leaves and root of the plant, as well as the fruit, were once used in medicine. European colonists eventually set up farms and the fruit was taken back to Europe, where it quickly became popular. During the American Civil War, soldiers were given a beverage made with blueberries, which made it an important food source. Today, blueberries are available in different parts of the world. 

Nutrition

Blueberries are chock full of antioxidants and flavonoids, which provide a host of anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. The fruits are also high in anthocyanins, a phytochemical that is good for eye health and vision. Anthocyanins also have antioxidant properties and can help in preventing degenerative diseases. In addition, blueberries may help in improving diabetes and maintaining heart health. Blueberries also contain several micronutrients.

One cup of blueberries can have:

Commercial production

The production of blueberries requires plenty of sun and a loose, well-drained acidic soil. Approximately 1,300 to 2,000 blueberry plants can be planted per acre. Most blueberries are harvested by hand in order to avoid bruising. Because of the weather requirements, many blueberry growers use greenhouse tunnels for better results. More than half of the blueberries produced are sold in the fresh produce market. 

Blueberry recipes

Blueberries are often eaten fresh, but can also be used in preparing a number of dishes. This fruit works well for marinating, baking, and crafting drinks. Here are a few popular recipes:

• Muffins
• Blueberry Buckle
• Blueberry Crisp
• Milkshake
• Lemon Blueberry Biscuits
• Cobbler
• Summer Salad
• Heidelbeerkuchen
• Blueberry Platz  
• Empanadas

FDA regulations

The FDA classifies blueberries as a raw agricultural commodity (RAC) and strictly regulates all aspects of their growing, harvesting, packing, and storage. The FDA also regulates canned blueberries. Sweeteners are allowed to be added and the density of the blueberries in such cases are strictly specified.

References

E. Earl Puls Jr., Commercial Blueberry Production, LSU Ag Center Research & Extension
https://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/BBA23B58-BC7F-477A-9151-BCE126AF2E7D/68621/pub2363blueberry2.pdf

Huang, Wuyang et al. “Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Blueberry Anthocyanins on High Glucose-Induced Human Retinal Capillary Endothelial Cells.” Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity vol. 2018 1862462. 22 Feb. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/1862462
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5842687/