Hello fellow food lovers! Foodie Mike here, ready to lead you on a colorful journey through the world of naturally blue fruits. No, I’m not talking about fruits painted blue or Photoshopped. These fruits, each a gift of Mother Nature, flaunt their blue hues with pride and offer unique flavors and health benefits.
1. Blueberries
Let’s start with the most common blue fruit, the blueberry. Bursting with flavor, these tiny fruits are a summer favorite. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, they’re as healthy as they are delicious. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in a pie, or in your morning smoothie, you can’t go wrong with blueberries.
2. Damson Plums
Moving on, we have the Damson plum, a variety of plum that boasts a striking blue-violet color. The fruit has a slightly tart taste, making it a popular choice for desserts, jams, and even wines.
3. Blackthorn (Sloe Berries)
The fruit of the blackthorn bush, commonly known as sloe berries, are small blue-black fruits used to make the famous British liqueur, sloe gin. They have a sharp, sour taste that mellows after the first frost and after they’ve been soaked in gin and sugar!
4. Elderberries
Elderberries, while often appearing black or deep purple, are actually a dark blue fruit. Used in making wines, syrups, and immune-boosting supplements, they offer a tart flavor and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
5. Blue Java Bananas
Also known as “ice cream bananas,” Blue Java bananas are known for their blue peels, sweet aroma, and creamy texture that indeed reminds of ice cream. They’re not only unique in color but also have a taste reminiscent of vanilla.
6. Blue Tomatoes
Yes, you read that right! Blue tomatoes, also known as Indigo Rose tomatoes, are a breed of tomato that develop a deep blue or purple color when exposed to sunlight, thanks to their high anthocyanin content.
7. Concord Grapes
Beloved for grape juice and jellies, Concord grapes exhibit a dusty blue-purple hue. They’re sweet, slightly tart, and known for their many health benefits, including improving heart health.
8. Saskatoon Berries
Native to North America, Saskatoon berries resemble blueberries in appearance but boast their own unique nutty flavor. They’re excellent in pies, jellies, and wines.
9. Butterfly Pea Flower
Now, here’s something a bit unusual in our list of blue fruits – the butterfly pea flower. Yes, it’s technically a flower, but it’s fruit-like in its use in food and drink for its vibrant blue hue. Infusions of this flower are often used in teas and cocktails, adding not just color but also a mild, earthy flavor.
10. Blue Honeysuckle
Also known as honeyberries or haskap berries, these elongated, deep blue fruits are native to Russia. They have a sweet, tangy taste and are enjoyed in a variety of ways – from fresh eating to jams, wines, and baked goods.
11. Oregon Grape
The Oregon grape isn’t a grape at all but a bush that produces small, blue fruits similar to grapes. These tart berries are used in small quantities for jelly, and they’re also a staple in Native American diets.
12. Acai Berries
Famous for their superfood status, acai berries are small, round fruits that grow on the acai palm tree in the rainforests of South America. They’re packed with antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats, and they’ve become a popular addition to smoothie bowls and health drinks.
13. Blue Passion Fruit
While passion fruits are usually yellow or purple, there’s a less common blue variety as well. The blue passion fruit, or Passiflora caerulea, offers a mildly sweet pulp that’s delicious in desserts and beverages.
14. Billberries
Bilberries, relatives of blueberries, are native to Europe and possess a deeper blue color. They’re smaller and have a more intense flavor than their counterparts and are typically used in pies, jams, and syrups.
15. Juneberries
Juneberries, also known as serviceberries, have a similar appearance to blueberries but bear a unique flavor that’s a blend of almond, cherry, and blueberry. They’re versatile and can be used in pies, jams, wines, and even savory dishes.
16. Blue Corn
Though not a fruit, blue corn deserves a mention due to its striking color and widespread use in food. Known for its sweet, nutty flavor, it’s used to make tortillas, chips, and even a special type of cornbread.
17. Blue Dattock
A tropical fruit native to Malaysia, blue dattock is a small fruit with blue-purple skin and sweet, creamy flesh. It’s often used in desserts and fruit salads.
18. Blue Cucumbers
Blue cucumbers, while uncommon, do exist! The ‘Blue Apple’ cucumber has a blue skin when immature that turns to a cream color as it ripens. It has a mild, sweet flavor that’s perfect for salads and pickling.
19. Velvet Leaf Blueberries
These are small, intensely blue berries found in New Zealand. Velvet leaf blueberries have a mild, sweet flavor and are often used in traditional Maori cuisine.
20. Blue Dabinett Apples
Lastly, we have blue Dabinett apples, a cider apple variety from England with a blue blush over its skin. It’s particularly used in cider production due to its high tannin content.
FAQs
- What are the health benefits of blue fruits? Blue fruits are typically high in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which are linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases. They’re also often a good source of dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
- What’s the difference between blueberries and bilberries? While similar in appearance, bilberries are smaller, have a deeper blue color, and a more intense flavor than blueberries. They’re also primarily found in Europe, while blueberries are common in the U.S.
- Can I grow blue fruits at home? Yes, many blue fruits, such as blueberries, plums, and certain tomatoes, can be grown at home given the right conditions. Just be sure to research the specific requirements of each plant.
- Are blue fruits safe to eat? Absolutely! Blue fruits are not only safe but also healthy to eat. However, as with all foods, it’s essential to wash them thoroughly before consumption.
- What can I make with blue fruits? Blue fruits are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from desserts and baked goods to salads, sauces, and drinks. Let your creativity run wild in the kitchen!
- Are all blue fruits sweet? No, the taste of blue fruits varies. While many are sweet, like blueberries and plums, others can be tart or mild.
- Are blue fruits expensive? The cost of blue fruits can vary depending on the type of fruit, where it’s grown, and whether it’s in season.
- Are blue fruits genetically modified? While there may be some genetically modified blue fruits, many are naturally blue due to the presence of anthocyanins.
- Are blue fruits available year-round? Availability depends on the type of fruit and where you live. Some fruits, like blueberries, are available year-round, while others have specific growing seasons.
- How should I store blue fruits? Most blue fruits should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some, like blueberries, can be stored in the refrigerator to extend their freshness. Always check for specific storage instructions for each type of fruit.