Blueberry

Blueberries are small, round, dark-blue berries that grow on shrubs in the genus Vaccinium. They are native to North America but are now cultivated worldwide. Blueberries are typically eaten fresh or used in jams, pies, and other baked goods.

Blueberries are primarily used for their flavour and colour in a wide range of food products. They are a popular ingredient in breakfast cereals, yoghurts, desserts, and baked goods such as muffins and crumbles. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness also contribute to the overall taste profile of foods.

Blueberries are a fruit and not a food additive, so they do not have an E-number or require authorisation on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. They are a source of fibre and various vitamins and minerals. Some research suggests that the anthocyanins in blueberries may have antioxidant properties, but more robust studies are needed to confirm specific health benefits in humans at typical dietary intakes. Evidence regarding their impact on long-term health is still developing.