Short History

Tamal Tuesday Treat Presents Today's Short Story
A Blue Movement. A Short Story of Blueberries
Blueberries, also known as bilberries, whortleberries and hurtleberries, are named for their velvety, deep-blue color, of course. These luscious berries are one of the few fruits native to North America. Native Americans used the berries, leaves, and roots for medicinal purposes. The fruit was used as a fabric dye and combined with meat into a nutritious dried jerky.

Blueberries were here when the first wave of settlers arrived in what was to become America. Early explorers noted Wild Blueberries on their expeditions. Blueberries grow in many places around the world. Cousins of our native North American blueberries live in Asia, Europe and South America, from the tropics to the land of the Eskimos.

The Native Americans used blueberries for medicinal purposes, and developed one of the first blueberry baked goods, which they called Sautauthig. This simple pudding made with blueberries, cracked corn and water was a Native American favorite.

-Pikachu