Foods Containing Bilberry

Bilberries, which are similar to blueberries, are edible berries commonly grown in Europe. In the United States, the blue huckleberry, grown in the Pacific Northwest, is a type of bilberry. Bilberries have many health benefits and can be taken in the form of a capsule or extract, or fresh or dried bilberries can be used in foodstuffs. Bilberries contain a number of phytochemicals, such as beta-carotene, as well as nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamins B1, B2 and B3. Bilberries are often used to treat diarrhea and indigestion, to treat diabetes, to promote strong eye function and as an antioxidant.

Jam

• European jam makers, many of which have their jams available for purchase online, produce bilberry jam. For the healthiest jams, look for products made only with organic ingredients and with no added preservatives. Bilberry jam can be eaten on toast, in peanut butter sandwiches, with scones or to add as a sweet marinade on meat dishes. If you can get a hold of your own bilberries, adapt them to your favorite berry jam recipe to make your own bilberry jam.

Baked Goods

• Bilberries are used in muffins, pies and cobblers and dried or fresh bilberries can be used to create your own bilberry baked goods. Bilberry muffins can be made just like any other type of muffin--with flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk or water, eggs and oil or butter. For a healthy options, look for whole-grain or butter-less recipes. Pies and cobblers can be made with just bilberries or bilberries can be combined with complimentary fruits such as raspberries or apples.

Tea

• The largest producer of bilberry tea is widely available from health stores and online suppliers. Bilberry tea is caffeine-free, can be used to make hot tea or iced tea and can be sweetened with honey. Use dried bilberries in a tea ball to make your own tea. Straight bilberries can be used to make tea or they can be mixed with other ingredients, such as ginger, lemongrass, hibiscus or rosehips, to make your own delectable concoction.