Close Cousins: American Blueberries and Huckleberries
American blueberries and huckleberries are perhaps the most common answers to the question, "what is similar to a bilberry?". Both are closely related species within the same botanical family, Ericaceae, but they have distinct differences in appearance, flavor, and how they grow.
American Blueberries
American blueberries are native to North America and are widely cultivated for commercial sale. They grow in clusters on larger bushes than bilberries, which grow singly or in pairs on smaller shrubs. One of the most obvious differences lies in their flesh: while bilberries have deep red or purple flesh that stains readily, blueberries have a pale, often greenish, interior. This visual distinction is an easy way to tell them apart. Flavor-wise, blueberries are generally sweeter and milder than the more intense, tangy bilberry. Nutritionally, bilberries have been found to contain significantly higher concentrations of anthocyanins, the powerful antioxidants responsible for their color and health benefits.
Huckleberries
Huckleberries are another close relative, and the term is sometimes used interchangeably with bilberry in some regions. However, true huckleberries can belong to two different genera within the Ericaceae family, either Gaylussacia or Vaccinium. Like bilberries, many huckleberry species have dark, reddish-purple flesh that stains and a more complex, tart flavor profile than blueberries. A key distinguishing feature is the seeds: huckleberries contain ten relatively hard seeds, providing a slight crunch, while bilberries and blueberries have many soft, less noticeable seeds. Huckleberries also grow wild and are rarely cultivated, similar to bilberries.
Other Berries with Similar Nutritional Profiles
Beyond their closest relatives, other berries offer similar nutritional benefits and can serve as effective substitutes for bilberries in recipes or supplements.
Lingonberries
Also in the Vaccinium genus, lingonberries are a staple in Nordic countries and are closely related to cranberries. They are smaller, red berries with a distinctly tart flavor, making them ideal for jams, sauces, and desserts where bilberries would also be used. While their anthocyanin profile differs from bilberries, lingonberries are also considered a "superfruit" due to their high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties.
Aronia Berries
Aronia berries, also known as chokeberries, boast some of the highest antioxidant levels of any berry, even surpassing bilberries and blueberries. They are small, dark, and possess an extremely astringent, or mouth-puckering, flavor when eaten raw, but become much more palatable when cooked or processed into juice or preserves. Their incredible nutritional density makes them a powerful substitute for bilberries if the goal is maximizing antioxidant intake, particularly for cardiovascular health and inflammation reduction.
Other Berry Relatives
Other members of the wider berry family can also be considered similar in some aspects. Cranberries, another Vaccinium species, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support urinary tract health, though they are much more sour than bilberries. Elderberries also contain anthocyanins and are often used in syrups and supplements for immune support.
Berry Comparison Table
| Feature | Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) | Wild Blueberry (V. angustifolium) | Huckleberry (Vaccinium spp. & Gaylussacia spp.) | Aronia Berry (Aronia melanocarpa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Small, dark blue to black; no crown | Small, powdery blue; often with a crown | Small, dark blue/red/black; no crown | Small, black; no crown |
| Flesh Color | Dark reddish-purple; stains readily | Pale green or whitish | Dark red to purple; stains readily | Dark red to purple; stains readily |
| Seeds | Numerous, soft | Numerous, soft | Ten hard seeds, crunchy | Numerous, very small |
| Flavor | Intense, sweet, and tangy | Concentrated, strong, sweet, tangy | Strong, sweet, acidic | Extremely astringent; palatable when cooked |
| Antioxidants | Very high anthocyanin content | High anthocyanin content | High anthocyanin content | Exceptionally high anthocyanin content |
| Growth Habit | Grows singly or in pairs on low shrubs | Grows in clusters on low shrubs | Grows singly on shrubs of various sizes | Grows in clusters on shrubs |
| Availability | Wild-harvested; limited commercial availability | Wild or cultivated; widely available | Wild-harvested; localized availability | Cultivated for market; increasing availability |
Culinary and Health Substitutions
When substituting for bilberries, the best choice depends on your objective. For a similar flavor profile in jams, pies, or syrups, wild blueberries or huckleberries are the closest match. If you are looking for maximum antioxidant benefits, particularly for eye or heart health, a concentrated aronia berry product is a powerful alternative. For anti-inflammatory properties, cranberries or elderberries could be considered. For baking, cultivated highbush blueberries offer a more reliable and consistent texture and sweetness, though the flavor will be milder.
It is worth noting that while many berries share similar beneficial compounds, the specific types and concentrations of phytochemicals vary. For example, the anthocyanin composition in bilberries is distinct from that in blueberries, which may result in different biological effects. Therefore, while these alternatives are similar, they are not identical. For the highest concentration of compounds found in bilberry, particularly the anthocyanins, extracts and standardized supplements are often recommended.
Conclusion
While no single berry is an exact twin, several berries are similar to a bilberry, sharing its visual characteristics, flavor profile, or potent nutritional benefits. The most direct cousins are American blueberries and huckleberries, all of which belong to the Vaccinium genus. While blueberries are sweeter with pale flesh, huckleberries share bilberries' staining flesh and tart flavor but have harder seeds. For potent antioxidant benefits, aronia berries offer a superior concentration, although with a very different taste. The vast diversity within the berry family means that whether for cooking or health, a suitable alternative to the European bilberry is readily available. For more information on the health benefits of berries, including bilberry, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health provides resources.
Foraging and Identification
Foraging for wild berries requires careful identification, as some toxic look-alikes exist. Always be certain of your identification before consuming any wild plant. A quick way to differentiate bilberries from many other blue berries is to check the flesh. Bilberries have uniformly dark purple flesh, whereas blueberries have a lighter, whitish interior. Their growth habit is also distinct: bilberries grow singly or in pairs, not in clusters like highbush blueberries. Another toxic look-alike is black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), which has a different growth habit and different leaves from bilberry. When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume the berry.
Lists of Similar Berries
- Closest Relatives: Wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), Huckleberries (Vaccinium spp.), Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea).
- High Antioxidant Content: Aronia Berries (Aronia melanocarpa), Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon).
- Good for Flavor: Elderberries (Sambucus nigra), Blackberries (Rubus spp.).
Bilberry vs. Blueberry Debate
Given the strong similarities, the debate over bilberries and blueberries is a common one. For flavor intensity and deep coloration in recipes, bilberries are often preferred. However, due to their fragility and wild nature, they can be difficult to find and more expensive. Cultivated blueberries, by contrast, offer reliable availability and a consistently sweeter, milder flavor that many prefer for fresh consumption and mainstream baking. Both are healthy choices, but bilberries generally provide a more potent antioxidant boost.
Final Thoughts on Alternatives
When exploring options similar to a bilberry, consider the purpose. For dessert and culinary applications, wild blueberries or certain huckleberries are excellent. For maximizing health benefits, aronia berries or standardized extracts from various dark berries are highly effective. The key is understanding the unique properties of each berry to make the best choice for your specific needs.
Note: Wild foraging should only be done by those with expert knowledge of berry identification. Many berries have toxic look-alikes.
