Whether fresh or dried, it can be difficult to tell bilberry from
blueberry because they are so similar in appearance. Closer examination
will reveal that the former has magenta-colored flesh and a strong
fragrance compared to the translucence and mild aroma of the latter.
It's fairly easy to tell them apart while still on the bush, however,
because bilberry fruit emerge singularly, while blueberry fruit appear
in clusters.
Bilberry fruit is abundant in anthocyanosides, a class of naturally occurring plant pigments responsible for the berry’s deep blue color and widely studied for their antioxidant activity.
Bilberry has a long history of traditional use and cultural association with vision-related folklore. One well-known anecdote dates back to World War II, when British fighter pilots reportedly consumed bilberry jam. This story became part of bilberry’s historical legacy and contributed to its longstanding association with eye-focused traditions and formulations.
Bilberry berries contain a variety of naturally occurring plant compounds that have been widely studied for their biological activity. Traditionally, bilberry has been associated with soothing applications in both topical and digestive contexts, contributing to its long-standing reputation in herbal traditions.
