Got Those Winter Blues

Here we are not referring to the way everyone feels from the frequent foggy-filled days, nor about your favorite band at the local winery.  No, this is about another kind of “blues” that you do want to have.

Vaccinium Corymbosum, the blueberry, is on the list of what’s recently been deemed a “super fruit”.  This is given to their being nutritionally very (or should we say “berry”) beneficial.  Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them one of the superfoods that support overall health. They were certified heart healthy by the American Heart Association in 2019.

Did you know blueberries are native to North America?  The Native Americans sure did. Consuming what was known as Star berries, (due to their tops’ 5-pointed star shape) for thousands of years, they incorporated them fresh and dried in their daily diets and used them medicinally.

Botanists estimate that the blueberry’s history goes back more than 13,000 years.  While cousins of our native berries grow in Asia, Europe and South America, our blueberries have always been here.  Early explorer Samuel de Champlain observed their consumption by natives in 1615, and Lewis and Clark witnessed natives smoking berries for winter preservation.  They were recognized by Virgil and Pliny, who recorded them as ‘Vaccinium”, from the Latin root “vaccines” meaning cow.  It’s an obscure term, but possibly ancient cows consumed blueberries like bears who will travel ten to fifteen miles sniffing out a blueberry patch.  Dried blueberries even became a staple food for Union soldiers during the Civil War.  Their high vitamin C content helped prevent scurvy.

While the remarkably tasty wild berry has been cherished for centuries by indigenous peoples, it continues captivating taste buds today as a cultivated crop and remains a cherished part of our culinary heritage. Transitioning from wild to cultivated began early in the 20^th century when the blueberry’s commercial potential was recognized by scientists.  In 1893, Elizabeth White (daughter of a NJ cranberry farmer) first recognized blueberries as a potential crop.  Botanist Frederick Coville’s blueberry experiments began in 1908, and he partnered with White in 1911 for the first harvestable crop in 1916.

As cultivated plants underwent significant flavor, size and yield improvements, breeding programs expanded the variety of cultivars.  The three main types: highbush, lowbush and rabbiteye, all have different characteristics and climate adaptability, allowing for cultivation in not only the USA but also in Canada, Chile, Australia and New Zealand.

Highbush blueberries are the most adaptable cultivars and are doing well in Western Oregon.  These woody shrubs with a crown plant base have shallow root systems and they drop leaves in autumn. They can fruit for 50 years if well cared for.  Like azaleas and rhododendrons, they prefer acidic soil.  Amending/mulching soil with sawdust/bark from fir, pine and most hardwood (excluding redwood and cedar) will supply the best acidic conditions.

Fruiting usually occurs on 1-year-old wood.  Although self fruitful, planting several varieties heightens production from cross pollination.  Plant it in a sunny area with some afternoon filtered light so plants/fruits don’t burn from hot summers.  For full details on cultivating blueberries, go to the following OSU Extension Service link:  Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden.

In 1974, the USDA proclaimed July as National Blueberry Month.  Why not get some of your own “winter blues” so you can enjoy them fresh, dried, frozen, or, of course, right off the bush to pop in your mouth.  Put a “bluesy boost” to your favorite culinary creations!

Resources:

OSU Extension Services  Growing Blueberries in Your Home Garden

Florida Plants Nursery.  Floridaplantsnursery.com  The Fascinating History of Blueberries: From Wild Fruit to cultivated crop …

James Bay Wild Fruit     History of Wild Blueberries

Blueberry.org     History of Blueberries

Plant Sources:

One Green World   http://www.onegreenworld.com

Raintree Nursery    http://www.raintreenursery.com

Both nurseries have a multitude of blueberry varieties with detailed info on where they’re best suited and best varieties to pair for cross pollination.  Early to mid-season fruiting varieties are best for our area.

Recipe:   Spiced Blueberry Scones

Preheat oven to 375°

Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper and oil paper’s surface

1 ½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen unthawed

2 ½ cups flour (white whole wheat or regular whole wheat or oat flour)

¾ cup regular rolled oats (not quick type)

1/3 cup coconut sugar

1/8^th teaspoon sea salt

1/ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8^th teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3^rd cup extra virgin olive oil

1½ cups buttermilk

Milk or alternative soy, almond

Coarse turbinado sugar

Mix together dry ingredients in a large bowl with wooden spoon until combined.  Work in olive oil until mixture is crumbly.  Gently stir in blueberries.

Pour buttermilk over dry mix and work in only until all is moistened and you can gather dough in a ball.

Flatten ball of dough to about a 10” round.  Use long Chef’s knife to cut through dough making 8 wedges.

Dip pastry brush in milk and gently coat dough surface.  Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for about 16-18 minutes until lightly brown and the dough in middle doesn’t stick to a toothpick when inserted.  Serves 8.