Bilberry

The name "bilberry" appears to have a Scandinavian origin, possibly from as early as 1577, while the earliest known English use of the name "blueberry" dates back to 1594, appearing in the Acts of Parliament of Scotland. In Scandinavian languages, terms for bilberries have names with the meaning "blueberry", such as in Swedish and in Danish and Norwegian. whortleberry in southern England, == Description ==

Bilberries, which are native to Europe, are different from North American blueberries, although the species are closely related and belong to the same genus, Vaccinium. Bilberries grow singly or in pairs rather than in clusters, as American blueberries do, and American blueberries have more evergreen leaves. Bilberries are dark in color, and often appear near black with a slight shade of purple. V. myrtillus bilberry pulp is red or purple, and V. uliginosum bog bilberry pulp is pale-colored. The high anthocyanin content of V. myrtillus may cause staining of the fingers, lips, and tongue. The anthocyanin content of bilberries and bilberry juice may exceed the levels seen in blueberries and blueberry juice. ==Species==

The term bilberries can describe several closely related species, which (except for V. uliginosum) are part of section Myrtillus: • Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) • Vaccinium uliginosum L. (bog bilberry, bog blueberry, bog whortleberry, bog huckleberry, northern bilberry, ground hurts) • Vaccinium cespitosum Michx. (dwarf bilberry) • Vaccinium deliciosum Piper (Cascade bilberry) • Vaccinium membranaceum (mountain bilberry, black mountain huckleberry, black huckleberry, twin-leaved huckleberry) • Vaccinium ovalifolium (oval-leafed blueberry, oval-leaved bilberry, mountain blueberry, high-bush blueberry). == Ecology ==

Bilberry plants can suffer from bilberry blight, caused by Phytophthora kernoviae. There have been severe outbreaks in Staffordshire, England. Bilberry is used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. == Harvesting ==

Bilberries are found in acidic, nutrient-poor soils throughout the temperate and subarctic regions of the world. where the berry is called blåbär (lit. "blueberry", which is a source of confusion with the North American blueberry). Bilberries can be picked by a berry-picking rake like lingonberries, but are more susceptible to damage. In Iceland, bilberries (known as aðalbláber, or "prime blueberry") grow predominantly in Westfjords and the surrounding area. In most of the country, the subtype bog blueberry occupies the same habitat. Both species are commonly found growing with dwarf birch and crowberries. Wild growth is vast compared to the population of Iceland and wild harvesting is legal, and a common activity in August when the berry season peaks. In Ireland, bilberries (known as fraochán) were traditionally gathered on the last Sunday in July, known as Bilberry Sunday, for the Celtic harvest festival of Lughnasadh, which marked the end of the hungry month of July. == Uses ==

The fruits are eaten fresh or made into jams, fools, juices, or pies. == References ==