Huckleberry is a name used in North America for several plants in two closely related genera in the family Ericaceae Gaylussacia and Vaccinium. The huckleberry is the state fruti of Idaho. Some vaccinium species, such as the red huckleberry, are always called huckleberries. Other species may be called blueberries or huckleberries in different location . There is much confusion is naming of berries in America. The garden huckleberry ( Solanum melanocerasum) is not a true huckleberry but a member of the nightshade Family.
The fruit of most species of huckleberries can be eaten. The berries are small and round. They are usually less than 5 mm in diameter and contain 10 seeds. Berries range in color from bright red, through dark purple, are into the blues. In taste the berries range from tart to sweet. they have a flavor similar to that of a blueberry. Huckleberries are well liked by many mammals such as bears and humans.
Seasons/ Availability:
Huckleberries are available in fresh from during the summer months.
Applications:
Huckleberries may be used fresh, yet they have a very short self life and thus are most commonly found in frozen form. They are very well suited to cooked and baked preparations, including pies, muffins, cookies, breads, pancakes and waffles. Huckleberries make great compotes and syrups alone or in combination with other berries such as strawberries and raspberries.
Health Benefits:
- Huckleberries are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- One serving of wild huckleberries has more axtioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetables, thus helping a person to fight against aging, cancer and health diseases.
- Huckleberries aid pancreas in digesting sugars and straches.
- Since the berries are high in iron, they help in building blood.
- It fights infections, promotes insulin production and treats urinary tract infections.
- Huckleberries acts as a laxative and treats diarrhea naturally .
- The tea made from dried huckleberry leaves proves helpful in case of poor strach digestion.
- Along with slowing down the process of aging, huckleberries also protect cells against damage caused due to free radicals. This help in prevention of premature wrinkling of the skin.
- Huckleberries also contain potassium which is useful for carrying out different functions in the body; the major being regulation of water balance.
- It is also proven that huckleberries are beneficial for treating skin diseases.
- Lastly, the huckleberries are gaining popularity because they also help in treatment of diseases like peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, glaucoma, muscular degeneration and varicose veins.
How To Select:
Choose smooth huckleberries without mold. If picking your own huckleberries, make sure you are not picking poisonous berries.
Store:
After washing and drying huckleberries place on a cookie sheet, cover with a paper towel, and place in freezer. Once frozen , put berries in a sealed container and put back in freezer for later use.
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