It contains lots of nutrients like high protein, Vitamin C, and Iron. Try it in a soup or stir-fry.
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While Thomas Jefferson experimented with it, it remained obscure at that time. It took until the 1920s to become a popular food among Italian immigrants.
California produces most of this country’s broccoli. China produces and consumes the most in the world.

Historians believe it came from the Tuscany region in Italy. The Etruscans first cultivated broccoli about 2600 years ago. They intended to hybridize an early-blooming cabbage.
The Anglo world had no awareness of broccoli until about the 1700s.

"The Legend of Blueberries" youtu.be/EN3IsTrDLgo

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According to legend, during a time of famine, the Great Spirit took pity on the children and sent these "star berries" down from the heavens to alleviate their hunger. This celestial gift provided essential nourishment and symbolized the Creator's enduring compassion and care for the people.

In some traditions, particularly among tribes in the northeastern regions, blueberries are often referred to as "star berries" due to the five-pointed star shape formed by the calyx at the blossom end of each berry.

Across these and other tribes, blueberries were highly valued not only for their nutritional benefits but also for their medicinal properties, helping with digestive issues, improving skin health, and even strengthening the immune system.

Abenaki: Like the Micmac, the Abenaki people from the northeastern United States harvested blueberries and utilized them as an essential food source. They were eaten fresh or dried and were an important part of their diet during the summer and fall months.

Micmac: The Micmac people, native to the northeastern part of North America, gathered blueberries as a staple food. Blueberries were often dried for use during the winter months when fresh fruits were not available. The berries were also incorporated into soups and stews.

(Haudenosaunee): The Iroquois, especially the Mohawk and Oneida nations, harvested wild blueberries and incorporated them into their diets. They valued blueberries not only for their flavor but also for their health benefits. The berries were used as a medicine, often in teas or as a poultice.

The Ojibwe people have a deep connection to wild blueberries, particularly in the Great Lakes region. They used blueberries for food, both fresh and dried, and in the making of pies and other dishes. Blueberries were also used in medicinal preparations to treat UTIs and as an overall health tonic.

Cherokee: The Cherokee used blueberries as a food source and also in medicinal applications. The berries were often consumed fresh, dried, or used in teas. Blueberries were believed to have healing properties and were used to treat ailments like diarrhea and as a general tonic.

🫐 Half-High – For cold climates
• Northblue, Northcountry, Chippewa, St. Cloud, Polaris

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🫐 Lowbush (V. angustifolium) – Wild & flavorful
• Brunswick, Top Hat, Burgundy, Putte, Wild

🫐 Rabbiteye (V. virgatum) – Heat/drought-tolerant, great for the South
• Brightwell, Climax, Powderblue, Tifblue, Premier

🫐 Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) – Great for temperate zones
• Duke (early)
• Bluecrop (mid)
• Legacy (late, sweet)
• Jersey (classic, small/sweet)
• Elliott (extends harvest into fall)

🤝 Companions: Bee balm, Borage, Chives, Mint
🚫 Avoid Planting Near: Broccoli, Cabbage, Walnut

🐝 Pollinated By: Bees
🐛 Common Pests: Fruitworms, Cutworms, Spanworms, Terrapin Scale

🍇 Blueberry Types & Cultivars

🌎 Origin: North America
🍽 Flavor: Sweet, tart, floral, woody, musky, juicy, acidic
💪 Nutrition: Carbs, fiber, protein, Vitamins B6, C, and K
🥗 Uses: Food & folk medicine

🌱 Botanical Friends
🔗 Related To: Azalea, Cranberry, Huckleberry, Heather