The blueberry is a member of the Heather family. It is closely related to azaleas, rhododendrons, and cranberries. Blueberries are native to Canada and range from the far north to the south. Blueberries contain 81 I.U. of vitamin A, 2.5 mg of vitamin C and a little vitamin B per 100g of fruit. The blueberry was an important food source for both indigenous peoples and the early pioneers.
Blueberries are an also important food source for wildlife during the summer.
Blueberries can be eaten fresh, or used in pie fillings, jams, jellies, syrups, juice, wine, and flavour concentrates as well as components of baked goods. Economics and Marketing Currently in Manitoba there is no planted fields or commercially managed wild stand of blueberries. There is a small cottage industry built around unmanaged stands and selling the product. All the blueberries picked are sold in the local market. Based on several test plots it does not appear that a commercial operation is possible in Manitoba.