Wholesale Bilberry

01.
A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information on bilberry

description
Billberry, a member of the Ericaceae family, is a small perennial shrub and is one of the wild predecessors of the North American blueberry and is used similarly, but has a more concentrated flavor and fragrance. It has wiry angular branches, rarely over a foot high, bearing globular pink or white wax-like flowers and black berries (there is a variety with white fruit), which are covered when quite ripe with a delicate grey cast. The leathery leaves are at first rosy, then yellowish-green, and in autumn turn red and are very ornamental. The globular fruit has a flat top, and is about the size of a black currant, fruit grow solitary, not in bunches.Fresh bilberries taste slightly acidic.

common names
& nomenclature
In Scotland, 'Blea-berry,' is from an old North Country word, 'blae,' meaning bluish—referring to the color of the fruit. The name Bilberry is derived from the Danish 'bollebar,' meaning dark berry.

Also known as:
blueberry, black whortleberry, burren myrtle, dyeberry, huckleberry, hurleberry, whinberry, whortleberry, wineberry, blaeberry, windberry, winberry, myrtle blueberry, fraghan, and european blueberry

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for bilberry

Vaccinium myrtillus is found natively in Europe, northern Asia, Greenland, Western Canada, and the Western United States.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing bilberry

climate
Bilberry usually grows in heaths, meadows, and moist coniferous forests. Its growth is best in moderate shade.

soil
Bilberry grows best in moist soil, but is often found in very acidic, nutrient-poor soils.

growing
Sow seeds in late winter in a greenhouse using a lime-free potting mix and only just cover the seed. Stored seed might require a period of up to 3 months cold stratification.

Once they are about 5cm tall, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant them outside into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

May also propagate by cuttings or layering, but both methods are slow and difficult, taking up to 18 months or more.

harvesting
Harvest green leaves and fruit in late Summer/early Autumn, use or freeze fruits right away as they damage easily and can spoil.

preserving
If not used fresh, fruit can be dried or frozen. Dry the leaves in a single layer on screens, store dried leaves (whole or cut) and dried fruit in a cool, dry place.

caution!
Bilberry leaves are not to be used for lengths longer than 3 weeks at a time, as it can cause symptoms of poisoning.

04.
The Rest of the Story

What is bilberry used for?
The dark purple fruits are used the same way as other edible berries to make jams, jellies, pies and other sweet treats.

What is bilberry extract?
Billberry extract is a liquid solution made from bilberry. The dried bilberries are combined with alcohol, then the solid matter is removed leaving only the oils of the herbs mixed with the alcohol.

How to make bilberry leaf tea

• Add 10- 2 teaspoons to 8 oz.–10 oz. of water
• Boil for 10-15 minutes
• Remove from heat
• Strain and enjoy
• Sweeten to taste with honey or agave syrup

Benefits

Rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants, bilberry fruit nourishes our body’s cells and reduces the effects of oxidation from internal and environmental sources. Bilberry also nurtures our skin and may slow premature aging.

Bilberry is particularly valuable for our eye health and vision. Clinical research reports that bilberry supports eye comfort and helps alleviate symptoms associated with digital screen and computer use. The anthocyanins in bilberry also protect our eyes and support clear vision and eye health as we age.

fruit promotes healthy blood vessels, robust circulation, and heart health, and may provide support for people managing their blood sugar levels. For centuries, dried bilberry has been used to manage occasional diarrhea and sooth upset stomachs.

Bilberry can be consumed in various forms. Some prefer fresh berries while others prefer dried. Fresh berries can also be extracted for their juice while dried berries can be crushed into a powder then consumed directly with a glass of water or put in a capsule. A decoction of the dried berry has been used as a mouthwash.