Over the years, Wild Blueberries have earned the nickname “brain berries,” and now, they can claim another scientific credit —improving cognitive performance in healthy, middle-aged adults. Couple this with the fact that wild blueberries are more flavorful than ordinary blueberries, and you can rest assured that starting your day with wild is a great choice for the whole family.

You may already know that the relationship between wild blueberries and cognition has been studied for decades (and in case you didn’t know that, you can catch up here and here). In fact, a number of clinical studies have shown that daily consumption of wild blueberries is associated with cognitive improvements for people of all ages, including children, young adults, and older adults. Until recently however, there has been a lack of research focused on the effects of these tiny potent berries and brain health in middle-aged adults—and more specifically, healthy middle-aged adults.

“Demonstrating the cognitive benefits of consuming whole foods in a relatively healthy population is difficult,” says Britt Burton-Freeman PhD, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a co-researcher for this study, “And yet, the research on wild blueberries continues to demonstrate benefits across, what appears to be, much of the lifespan.”

Why is this so important? 

Well, there are a LOT of healthy middle-aged people who are looking to stay that way—and they’re interested in learning about foods that may help them preserve their brain function and cognitive abilities. Cognitive health includes the ability to think clearly, learn and remember things. With the recent publication of a collaborative study from researchers at two U.S. universities and one in the U.K., we can fill in this important age gap in the scientific evidence that supports the role of wild blueberries in maintaining cognitive health.

What did the new study find?

The new double-blind study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, explored the impact of a single dose of wild blueberries on the cognitive performance of 35 adults aged 40-to-65. The subjects consumed the berries in a beverage that included a powder made from whole, freeze-dried wild blueberries in an amount equal to about one cup of berries. A matched placebo was used for comparison, and all subjects served as their own controls (meaning each subject received both treatments—the wild blueberry beverage and the placebo beverage—at some point in the study). Then, at both 4- and 8-hours after consuming the beverage (or placebo) the participants were asked to perform a number of validated cognitive tests designed to evaluate working memory as well as new learning and retention—areas of cognition, the study authors explain, are “characteristically vulnerable to decline with aging beginning in midlife.” Some of the testing tasks were fairly easy memory exercises, such as verbally repeating lists of words after hearing them, but then tasks grew progressively more difficult and complicated.

“Our study indicated that, when compared to a placebo, participants showed better memory function after consuming the Wild Blueberry drink,” explains Adrian Whyte, PhD, lead author of the published paper. “This was particularly evident in memory recognition tests where participants were required to remember whether they had seen an item or word before. They also demonstrated improved attention, a part of what’s known as executive function whereby they were able to overcome the impulse to respond to misleading cues, and also showed faster reaction times.”

These observed benefits were most pronounced during the most difficult aspects of the tasks.

Blood sugar control was also positively impacted 

A second finding of this study is related to metabolic health, specifically the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose after consuming food. The participants showed reduced post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels over the first two hours following consumption of the wild blueberry beverage in comparison to the placebo. However, there was little evidence of a relationship between the metabolic and cognitive benefits found in this study.

According to Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a co-researcher for this study, glucose control is a growing concern in middle-age, as risk factors for chronic diseases—like diabetes—start to appear. “Although we did not see a statistical association with cognition, the metabolic benefits stand on their own, showing that wild blueberries can help reduce post-meal glucose and insulin, which is important for long-term health and lowering the risk for diabetes development,” explains Burton-Freeman.

Take-home messages

Overall, this new study adds more evidence to the growing body of research that wild blueberries enhance cognitive performance in people of all ages.

All in all, including wild blueberries in your daily diet, is easy considering their convenience (frozen and always at the ready), versatility, and great taste. For ideas on ways to incorporate wild blueberries into your cooking, check out our large selection of recipes—there’s something to appeal to everyone, at every age.

The common perception is that food loses its natural taste and nutritional value once it’s frozen – but when it comes to Wild Blueberries, that’s not the case. Wild Blueberries are frozen at the peak of ripeness locking in their incredible taste and nutrition. If you didn’t know, 99% of the crop which grows in the cold harsh climate of Maine and Eastern Canada is frozen because these little gems aren’t made to travel far distances. But despite their small size, Wild Blueberries are considered a top antioxidant fruit offering more of what it takes to combat disease and promote healthy aging – making them the perfect addition to your family’s healthy eating regimen.

But don’t take our word for it, trust the facts! During a time of year when everyone is focused on healthy eating goals and becoming the best version of themselves, we’re sharing three fact-based reasons why frozen Wild Blueberries should always make the cut for your grocery cart.

Wild Born and Bred by Mother Nature

Wild Blueberries are different than the ordinary blueberry. Wild Blueberries are much smaller than cultivated berries and grow on low-bush plants about as high as your ankle. Most of the plant is underground in a rhizome root system. This underground root system is how the plant spreads in the fields, called barrens. They are slow-growing (it can take years to fill a small open patch) and not manipulated by those who care for the crop. Fields may contain thousands of different varieties of these tiny berries, ranging in color from light to dark blue and in flavor from sweet, to tart, to tangy. Because the different berries are harvested together, every mouthful is bursting with a more intense blueberry flavor – perhaps the “blueberriest” flavor you’ve ever had. Ordinary blueberries have been modified for larger fruit and higher yields. For example, they’re planted in rows, tend to be taller, grow in most fields, and there may be only one or two varieties per crop. Ordinary berries are found in the fresh produce section, but to experience the incredible flavor experience of Wild Blueberries, you’ll need to look in your supermarket’s frozen fruit section. With all of this in mind, you can rest easy that choosing frozen Wild Blueberries means that you’re following your true North and consuming a naturally grown berry.

Little Berry that Packs a Big Health Punch

For anyone who has tried Wild Blueberries, you’ll instantly notice they’re smaller in size compared to ordinary blueberries. This means that with every bite you get more berries. Every serving of Wild is packed with 21% of your daily fiber (something Americans don’t’ get enough of in their diets), is low in fat, and is an excellent source of manganese, making this tiny berry the perfect nutritional addition to any dish.

Plus, Wild Blueberries have 33% more anthocyanins than ordinary blueberries — giving you a big leg up when it comes to keeping your body and your brain running strong. Why are anthocyanins important you ask? Anthocyanins help protect Wild Blueberries from the damage of ultraviolet light and other environmental stressors. A growing body of research indicates anthocyanins are good for humans, too.

So, what are they? Anthocyanins are found in the dark blue skin of the Wild Blueberry. They’re the plant compound responsible for giving Wild Blueberries the deep, rich purply blue hues and powerful antioxidant capacity. In fact, Wild Blueberries have twice the antioxidant capacity as ordinary blueberries. Although scientists still aren’t sure how or why anthocyanins prevent disease, it has been linked to their antioxidant properties. Two decades of research suggest that anthocyanins may play important roles in helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Discover some clever ways to introduce Wild Blueberries into your everyday meals.

Four Seasons of Convenience

Wild Blueberries are typically “in season” during the Summer months, but because they are frozen that means you can enjoy their freshness all year round. Research shows frozen fruit is often nutritionally superior to its fresh counterpart and frozen Wild Blueberries are no different.  While fresh blueberries may take 15+ days to make it to a store from the time they’re picked, Wild Blueberries are frozen within 24 hours of harvest. Lucky for all of us, delicious Wild Blueberries can be found all over the country in the frozen fruit aisle of grocery stores year-round. So, when you’re in the store next, head on over and pick up some frozen Wild Blueberries! To learn more, check out our Frozen is Fresher infographic here.

As we head farther into January, all of us at Wild Blueberries are wishing you a season of healthy decisions, delicious foods, and a hint of Wild!

Can frozen foods be part of a healthy diet? You bet they can. Research has found that frozen food – especially vegetables and fruit – is just as good and even sometimes better – than fresh foods. That’s because veggies and fruits chosen for freezing are processed at their peak of ripeness – a time when they are most nutrient-packed. Take for example, Wild Blueberries. They are harvested at the peak of ripeness and frozen within 24 hours, locking in their incredible taste and nutrition.

To celebrate National Nutrition and Frozen Food Month, we’ve asked several nutrition and healthy foods experts what they think about fresh vs. frozen foods. Here’s what a few of our favorite registered dietitians had to say.

According to Liz Ward, MS, RD, of Better is the New Perfect, the importance of eating enough fruits and vegetables can be challenging with fresh produce that can spoil quickly. Frozen is a healthy and nutritious alternative to fresh and being frozen; it’s ready when you are. “When buying frozen, check labels and look for plain (without sauce or added salt or sugar, for example) fruits and vegetables,” she says. “They are as nutritious, or even more nutritious, than fresh. That’s because frozen food is processed within hours of being picked or harvested (like seafood and Wild Blueberries), preserving flavor, quality, and nutrition.”

Kit Broihier, MS, RD, LD Nutrition Advisor for the Wild Blueberry Association of  North America agrees, “In general, the research shows that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh.” Kit adds, “Fruits and vegetables are picked and frozen quickly—typically at the peak of quality and ripeness—so all that goodness is preserved in the freezing process.”

“Frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh!” says Kara Lydon, RD, LDN, RYT, of The Food Dietitian. “Frozen produce is frozen at peak ripeness, locking in all of those nutrients and antioxidants.” That’s just one great reason why you can find Wild Blueberries all year long in the frozen aisle of your local supermarket. Also, because Wild Blueberries are such a small berry, they are very delicate, and it is nearly impossible for them to make the long trek to the fresh produce section of markets outside of the Wild Blueberry regions of Maine, Eastern Canada, and Quebec.

Wild Blueberries are a much smaller blueberry than their cultivated cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in flavor and nutrition.  Their ability to thrive in the cold harsh climates of Maine and Eastern Canada is why they are so full of flavor and nutrition. Wild Blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins, a compound that gives plants their rich red, blue and purple colors, and more and more research is revealing that it’s the blue in Wild Blueberries that provide all their positive health benefits. Additionally, Wild Blueberries also contain 32% less sugar, eight times the manganese, and 72% more fiber per serving than regular, cultivated blueberries. And let’s not forget, Wild Blueberries taste AMAZING! A combination of sweet, tart and tangy flavors makes for an intense blueberry taste that just can’t be beat.

Keep that in mind the next time you go grocery shopping and be sure to take a stroll down the frozen aisle. You’ll find many different varieties of fruits and vegetables that have been flash frozen. To ensure you’re adding Wild Blueberries to your cart, look for the world WILD on the packaging. A trip to the Wild Blueberry barrens is not required to enjoy these special berries and because they are frozen you can find them all year long.

Our registered dietitian friends keep their freezers stocked full of frozen fruits including strawberries, cherries, mangos (and of course, Wild Blueberries). These items are readily available and grocery stores across the country and a convenient ingredient to have on hand. A few of their other favorite frozen foods include salmon, sweet corn, spinach, cooked brown rice, and shrimp. (Is anyone else getting hungry?) Also found in their freezers is a variety of extra meal portions, such as chili or stew, that are at the ready for a tasty, homemade meal that’s nutritious but without the work.

Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD, of Real Mom Nutrition always has a stash of frozen fruit in her freezer. “In fact, I have an entire bin in my freezer dedicated to it! I use frozen berries, frozen peaches, and frozen bananas in smoothies and oatmeal almost daily.”

Danielle Omar, MS, RDN behind The Food Confidence blog, “loves” the convenience of always having what she needs on hand. Danielle also likes to be able to take advantage of sales, or buy in bulk, and freeze food for use later. “Whether it’s frozen Wild Blueberries for a smoothie or frozen salmon for dinner, it’s nice to know I’m always prepared!” If your life gets a little hectic, especially around meal time, think frozen! You and your family will be able to enjoy a nutritious homemade meal without the fuss!

If they haven’t convinced you of the benefits of buying frozen food, then here’s a few other good points to consider.  Purchasing frozen foods is an easy way to save money at the grocery store, reduce food spoilage and waste in your home and ensure you always have convenient and nutritious ingredients on hand. “If you have frozen items at-the-ready,” Kit reminds us, “you can put together a nutritious and tasty meal in no time!”

Finally, we want to thank all the wonderful registered dietitians that we’ve met and worked with over the years. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, is National Registered Dietitian Day! We want to take this time to recognize and thank the RDs who play an important role in helping to educate you and your families about delicious Wild Blueberries and who create so many of our delicious recipes. They are a big part of what it takes to make healthy eating easy and accessible for all of us.  Thank you!

Every week, we share delicious and interesting recipes to hopefully inspire you, along with interesting facts and health research about Wild Blueberries. Our goal is to help you understand what makes Wild Blueberries different from their cultivated cousins (because they are completely different) and to spark conversation about this healthy delicious fruit. Since we receive a lot of questions, we thought we’d take this opportunity to answer what you – our fans – are most curious about. Below are the questions we’re asked the most and 5 things you should know about Wild Blueberries. Plus, we throw in a recipe at the end in celebration of Sweet Potato Month.

1. What makes Wild Blueberries different than ordinary cultivated blueberries?

We love this question! Now, all blueberries are yummy and good for us, we just happen to think WILD are the best, here’s why:

Wild Blueberries are much smaller than cultivated berries. They grow on low-bush plants about as high as your ankle. Most of the plant is underground in a rhizome root system. This underground root system is how the plant spreads in the fields, called barrens. They are slow growing (it can take years to fill a small open patch) and not manipulated by those who care for the crop. Fields may contain thousands of different varieties of these tiny berries, ranging in color from light to dark blue and in flavor from sweet, to tart, to tangy. Because the different berries are harvested together every mouthful is bursting with a more intense blueberry flavor – perhaps the blueberriest flavor you’ve ever had. Cultivated blueberries have been modified for larger fruit and higher yields. They are planted in rows, are taller and in most fields, there may be only one or two varieties. Cultivated berries are found in the fresh produce section, but to experience the incredible flavor experience of Wild Blueberries, you’ll need to look in your supermarket’s frozen fruit section.

We could go on about the heritage of Wild Blueberries and the health benefits but that would make for a very long blog post. Instead, we recommend that you visit our website to learn about:

• Wild Blueberry Heritage
• Growing Wild Blueberries
• A Nutrient-Rich SuperFruit

2. Frozen? Why can’t I buy ‘em fresh?

Unlike cultivated blueberries that are planted, grown and harvested all over the world throughout the year, Wild Blueberries spread naturally where Mother Nature put them and are only commercially harvested in Maine, Eastern Canada and Quebec. Harvest typically begins in late summer and is over by early fall. If you happen to live near these areas, you may be able to find fresh Wild Blueberries in your local supermarket, at a farmers’ market, or local produce stand.

Wild Blueberries are picked at the peak of ripeness and have never been hybridized so their naturally delicate skin makes shipping them fresh over long distances difficult. Instead, 99% of these unique wild beauties are individually quick frozen (IQF) within 24 hours of harvest, locking in their exceptional taste and superior nutrition. Once they’re frozen their ready to travel and hit freezers all over the world in peak form.

3. Are Wild Blueberries organic?

Organic Wild Blueberries are available, however, not all Wild Blueberries are organic. If you’re looking for organic Wild Blueberries, please check the package label. The demand for organic wild blueberries is growing, as is the organic supply, but it does take several years for a grower to transition his or her land and receive certification.

We want you to know that all Wild Blueberries are an extremely safe and clean fruit. They have been flourishing in this same region of Maine and Eastern Canada for over 10,000 years and are naturally resistant to many native pests and diseases. In addition, the harsh winter conditions of the growing area and the unique two-year cropping cycle, where the plants are mowed to the ground, help naturally deter most pests and disease. In the world of agriculture, Wild Blueberries are considered an extremely low input crop. What does that mean? It means that the farmers and growers work diligently to take the best care of the crop using the least amount of inputs possible. In Maine, our growers work closely with the University of Maine Extension on pest management techniques to closely monitor their wild crop. If issues are detected beyond thresholds, fields may need to be treated – but great care is taken to avoid unnecessary treatment.

4. Where can I buy Wild Blueberries?

Wild Blueberries are available in the frozen fruit section of most supermarkets, year-round! To make sure you are buying Wild Blueberries, always look for the word WILD on the package (on the front and the list of ingredients) and feel the bag for small, pea-sized berries.  You can find a supermarket near you with our easy-to-use store locator: https://wildblueberries.com/where-to-buy/

You should also look for Wild Blueberries in many of your favorite foods and on restaurant menus.  Wild Blueberries are a popular and extremely versatile ingredient used in a variety of formats to enhance foods of all types. Look for them in yogurts, jams, beverages, cereals, snack bars, pancakes, muffins, sauces and so much more. There is almost nothing that doesn’t taste better with Wild Blueberries. So when choosing your favorite blue superfruit, be a wild advocate and don’t just go for blueberries, go for tiny, potent WILD Blueberries.

5. Are Wild Blueberries the same as huckleberries?

Wild Blueberries and huckleberries are two very distinct fruits. They each have their own latin names, vaccinium angustifolium and vaccinium membranaceum, respectively, although there are many species of huckleberries. Some think that huckleberries are a “berry” close cousin to the Wild Blueberry but that’s not entirely true. The Eastern huckleberry, for instance, is more closely related to an apple than the Wild Blueberry. Cool, huh?

The confusion lies in the word WILD. Many folks out hiking have come across BOTH berries. Since huckleberries are far more regionally diverse than Wild Blueberries, the name stuck. The berries are similar in color but have more differences than similarities. The easiest way to tell a huckleberry from a Wild Blueberry is by examining the fruit. A huckleberry contains hard, distinct seeds – you know the ones that get stuck in your teeth. The seeds in a Wild Blueberry are very tiny and soft, making them virtually undetectable to the person enjoying them. 

Now for a delicious recipe…

February is known as heart health month, but did you know that it’s also National Sweet Potato Month. We can’t end this post without sharing one of our most popular recipes of all time! While some may wrinkle their noses at the thought of this combination, we ask you to try it first. The sweet, tart and tangy flavor of the Wild Blueberries pairs incredibly well with the sweet potato, which makes for a tasty surprise.  This nutritious duo is full of antioxidants, fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin C, and it’s an ideal side or meal on its own. Enjoy!