Blueberry

Jewel

• Description

The Jewel Blueberry is a Southern Highbush variety highly valued for its exceptional fruit quality, vigorous growth, and high yields. It is a popular choice for commercial growers and home gardeners in warmer climates.

Description:

• Berries: Large, plump, and light blue with a firm texture. The berries are juicy and sweet with a slightly tangy undertone, making them ideal for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

• Bush: The plant is semi-upright, vigorous, and spreads moderately, reaching heights of 5-6 feet at maturity. Its dense foliage adds visual appeal to gardens.

• Bloom and Harvest Period:

• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring.

• Harvest Time: Early to mid-summer, often overlapping with other Southern Highbush varieties, extending the harvest season.

• Chill Requirement: Requires approximately 200-300 chill hours, making it well-suited for USDA zones 7-10.

• Pollination: While self-pollinating, cross-pollination with other Southern Highbush varieties can improve berry size and yield.

Growth Requirements:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 4.5–5.5.

• Water: Consistent moisture is necessary, particularly during fruiting, though the plant should not be waterlogged.

• Fertilizer: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.

• Nutrition

The Jewel Blueberry, like other blueberry varieties, is a nutrient-dense fruit rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here’s a detailed overview of its nutritional value:

Nutritional Highlights (per 100 grams of fresh blueberries):

• Calories: ~57 kcal

• Water Content: ~84%

• Carbohydrates: ~14 g

• Sugars: ~9.7 g

• Dietary Fiber: ~2.4 g (9% of the Daily Value, DV)

• Protein: ~0.7 g

• Fat: ~0.3 g

Vitamins:

• Vitamin C: ~9.7 mg (16% of the DV)

• Vitamin K: ~19 mcg (24% of the DV)

• Vitamin E: ~0.6 mg (3% of the DV)

• Folate: ~6 mcg (2% of the DV)

Minerals:

• Potassium: ~77 mg (2% of the DV)

• Calcium: ~6 mg (1% of the DV)

• Magnesium: ~6 mg (2% of the DV)

• Phosphorus: ~12 mg (1% of the DV)

• Iron: ~0.3 mg (2% of the DV)

Antioxidants and Health Benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains anthocyanins, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress.

• Boosts Brain Function: May enhance memory and cognitive function due to its antioxidant content.

• Supports Immune Health: High vitamin C levels help strengthen the immune system.

• Promotes Digestive Health: Dietary fiber aids in digestion and supports gut health.

• Low Glycemic Index: Helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for diabetics and those monitoring glucose levels.

Pinkeye Lemonade

• Description

The Pinkeye Blueberry is a unique variety known for its vibrant pinkish-red fruit and exceptional taste. It is a Southern Highbush variety that is prized for its early ripening and striking color, which makes it a standout in both home gardens and commercial blueberry farms.

Description:

• Berries: The berries of the Pinkeye Blueberry are medium to large in size with a unique pinkish-red color, which is a distinguishing feature. They have a firm texture and are known for their sweet-tart flavor, offering a refreshing taste that is slightly milder than traditional blue blueberries.

• Bush: This variety is compact and semi-upright, growing to around 4 to 5 feet in height. It is well-suited for small spaces, making it an excellent choice for home gardens. The bush also produces attractive white or pinkish blooms in early spring.

• Bloom and Harvest Period:

• Bloom Time: Early spring.

• Harvest Time: Early to mid-summer, typically around 2 to 3 weeks before many other blueberry varieties.

• Chill Requirement: Requires approximately 200-400 chill hours, making it suitable for USDA zones 7-9.

• Pollination: Self-pollinating, though planting multiple bushes can improve fruit size and yield.

Growth Requirements:

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for optimal fruit production.

• Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil with a pH of 4.5-5.5.

• Water: Needs consistent moisture, particularly during the fruiting season, but should not sit in waterlogged soil.

• Fertilizer: Benefits from a balanced fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants.

• Nutrition

The Pinkeye Blueberry has a similar nutritional profile to other blueberry varieties, offering a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. Here’s an overview of its nutritional value based on fresh blueberries:

Nutritional Highlights (per 100 grams of fresh blueberries):

• Calories: ~57 kcal

• Water Content: ~84%

• Carbohydrates: ~14 g

• Sugars: ~9.7 g

• Dietary Fiber: ~2.4 g (9% of the Daily Value, DV)

• Protein: ~0.7 g

• Fat: ~0.3 g

Vitamins:

• Vitamin C: ~9.7 mg (16% of the DV)

• Vitamin K: ~19 mcg (24% of the DV)

• Vitamin E: ~0.6 mg (3% of the DV)

• Folate: ~6 mcg (2% of the DV)

Minerals:

• Potassium: ~77 mg (2% of the DV)

• Calcium: ~6 mg (1% of the DV)

• Magnesium: ~6 mg (2% of the DV)

• Phosphorus: ~12 mg (1% of the DV)

• Iron: ~0.3 mg (2% of the DV)

Antioxidants and Health Benefits:

• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains anthocyanins and other polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

• Brain Health: The antioxidants in blueberries, including the Pinkeye variety, have been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and may help prevent age-related decline.

• Supports Immune Function: Vitamin C boosts the immune system and contributes to overall skin health.

• Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, Pinkeye blueberries support healthy digestion and can help maintain gut health.

• Low Glycemic Index: Blueberries are low in sugar and have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making them suitable for diabetics.