The cultivated blueberry is much larger than the typical wild blueberry. The larger berry helps establish product recognition in many products. The cultivated blueberry has also been breed to withstand many elements, extending growing season resulting in a blueberries available fresh 8 months a year. Blueberries are low in calories. Blueberries are virtually fat free.
Blueberries are good source of fiber.
The wide range of nutrients contained in blueberries can enhance a products ingredient statement. Cultivated blueberries contain the antioxidant vitamins C, E and beta carotene. These nutrients appear to defuse toxic molecular fragments, known as free radicals, which are byproducts of normal cell metabolism. Ronald Prior and his research team at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University have been studying the antioxidative capacity of various fruits and vegetables. Blueberries ranked at the top of the list of some 40 fruits, juices and vegetables in antioxidant activity.