What Is Bilberry Fruit?

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By Ed Robinson
eHow Contributing Writer

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Otherwise known as the European blueberry, the bilberry fruit contains high levels of antioxidants and has been used for both food and medicinal purposes for centuries. The bilberry fruit grows on low lying perennial bushes. It looks and tastes very similar to that of the American blueberry, but has many different distinguishing features.

Location

Even though the bushes can be found in many different regions of the world, bilberry bushes are commonly found growing wild in Wales, Ireland, Poland, Russia and England. Commonly, bilberry plants grow on publicly accessible land.

Medicinal Uses

For centuries, the bilberry has been used for medicinal purposes for a number of ailments. Commonly, diabetes, diarrhea and vision problems are alternatively medicated by the bilberry or its extract.

Production

Although it looks and tastes similar, the bilberry differs from the blueberry in many different ways. Bilberry bushes produce single berries instead of clusters like the blueberry bushes. Bilberry bushes grow in damp, acidic soil.

Harvesting

Bilberry fruit is harvested in the late summer. Commonly, berries are harvested by using a berry-picking rake. Bilberries are softer and much juicier than blueberries, which makes harvesting without damaging them extremely difficult.

Warning

Even though bilberry fruit is helpful for many ailments, it is considered to be an anticoagulant. An anticoagulant is a blood thinner and can negatively react to a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications.