Tag: Bilberries

Bilberries, known scientifically as *Vaccinium myrtillus*, are native to both northern Europe and parts of North America. While often confused with the more commercially popular American blueberry, bilberries can be found growing wild in cooler, mountainous regions of the United States and Canada. This native presence means that, yes, bilberries do grow in the US, but typically not in the large cultivated farms associated with their American cousins.

While often confused or used interchangeably, especially across the Atlantic, blueberries and winberries are distinct fruits from the same botanical family. A key differentiator is their flesh color: blueberries have pale green or white flesh, while winberries feature a deep, reddish-purple interior.

During World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots were rumored to eat bilberry jam to improve their night vision, a story that likely served as a cover for newly developed radar technology. While this particular story is a myth, there is scientific truth that certain fruits containing key nutrients can support your ability to see in the dark by supporting overall eye health.

Over 80% of Swedish land is covered by forest, providing a vast natural habitat for wild berries. It is within these expansive woodlands that the famed Nordic blueberries grow, which are actually a different species known as bilberries. Unlike cultivated blueberries, these wild fruits are smaller, with a vibrant dark flesh, and are harvested from pristine northern forests.

With anthocyanin content ranging widely among fruits—such as the 1.4–704 mg per 100g seen in mulberries—knowing precisely what fruit has the most anthocyanins is not straightforward, as potency varies even within the same species based on a host of factors. The list is also topped by some lesser-known, yet incredibly potent, contenders.

The notion that blueberries can dramatically improve eyesight is rooted in tales of British WWII pilots who supposedly ate them for superior night vision. While this story has achieved legendary status, the question remains: do blueberries improve eyesight? Modern science offers a more nuanced, yet still positive, perspective on how these tiny berries contribute to overall visual health.