Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has been a popular berry for centuries, originating in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is believed that bilberries were independently domesticated over a millennium ago in Europe, Asia, and North America, where they now grow wild. These low-growing deciduous shrubs thrive in woods and heaths.
The dark blue berries, about 1 cm (0.4 inch) in diameter, ripen in July and August and are a favorite food of grouse. They’re used for tarts and preserves. Unlike cultivated blueberries, which grow in clusters, bilberries bear their fruit singly. Their historical significance and potential health benefits continue to make them a cherished berry.
