Firstly, the coast of BC has the Wild Blueberry Plant growing all over it. The Coastal Blueberry plant is primarily spread by rhizomes which produce new roots and stems. Furthermore, all shoots arising from the same root system have similar characteristics and are clones of the original root system.
Wild Blueberry plant areas actually produce many low-bush blueberry clones and this creates the variations in color and size that you find in a Wild Blueberry crop. The First Peoples of North America were the first to use blueberries, both fresh and dried, for their flavour, nutrition, and healing qualities. Blueberry
First people believed the Wild Blueberry had magical powers. If you look At each Wild Blueberry you will see a calyx in the shape of a five-point star. Legend has it that during a time of starvation, the Great Spirit sent these star berries down from the heavens to relieve the hunger of his people.
These early inhabitants were the first to burn their Wild Blueberry areas to encourage the growth of new plants. Wild blueberries are nutritious and are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fibre. There is no fat, sodium, or cholesterol and only 80 calories per cup of berries.
As well, recent studies have shown that the pigments that give wild blueberries their unique colour provide many health benefits. The pigments in wild blueberries contain very important compounds called antioxidants. Antioxidants are needed by the body to fight compounds called free radicals, which are formed as a byproduct of breathing, digesting, and exercising. If free radicals are not controlled, they can cause cancer, heart disease, and premature aging. Wild blueberries were found to have the highest level of antioxidants in a recent study of 40 fruits and vegetables, so it is important to make them part of your diet, especially as you age.
Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that may be prevented by eating wild blueberries. Tannins, which are found in wild blueberries and cranberries, prevent the bacteria, which cause these infections from attaching to the wall of the bladder and urinary tract. This allows them to pass through the body without causing problems.
The wild blueberry is called the vision fruit for its ability to relieve eyestrain. Studies have shown that a proper diet and eating habits may help to prevent cancer. Wild blueberries contain compounds that may be able to fight cancer and may keep enzymes responsible for duplicating cancer cells from working.
Wild bears will eat the juicy blueberry when they are in season. It has been documented that they will travel, with an empty stomach, great distances, just to find a succulent blueberry patch. They grow all over the BC coastal region. Cousins of these blueberries also live in Asia, Europe, and South America.
First Nation People held them in very high esteem, due to the fact that the blossom end of each blueberry forms a five points star. It was believed the “Great Spirit” sent these star berries to relieve the hunger of children during a famine.
They also used them for medicinal purposes and made strong aromatic tea from the root. It was used as a relaxant during childbirth. Early medical books show this same tea was used by wives of settlers during labour. The juice was used for “old coughs” and tea made from the leaves was believed to be a good tonic to help purify the blood.
Native Americans encouraged its growth by periodically burning the fields, which would quickly grow again with new plants. The first European settlers found them to be similar to the berries that grew in their homeland.