Just rinse, eat and enjoy. The BluesThe blueberry is a native American species with deep roots in America's history. By the time the Pilgrims arrived, the American Indians were already enjoying these juicy berries year round through very clever preservation techniques. The powder would also be combined with cornmeal, water and honey to make a pudding called Sautauthig. The Pilgrims learned to appreciate blueberries from the Indians, especially as it was the Indian's gift of blueberries which helped the new settlers make it through that first cold winter.
Blueberries also have a place in the annals of folk medicine.
Their roots were brewed into a tea to help relax women during childbirth, their leaves steeped to make a blood purifier. Blueberry juice and syrup also cured coughs, according to tribal medicine men. However, it wasn't cultivated until the first quarter of this century. Elizabeth White and Dr. Frederick V. Coville were the first to develop the hybrid for cultivated highbush blueberries by domesticating and improving wild highbush blueberry species. Once growers learned how to increase soil acidity, they were able to grow cultivated blueberries in 35 states and two provinces.