Nutritious Raspberries Once Used Primarily for Medicinal Purposes

Raspberries are native to Europe and Asia in hilly areas, heaths and on the edge of mountains, especially those by acid soils. They are found growing wile in northern Scandinavia and have long been gathered there. Seeds and debris from the plants have been found preserved in the remains of prehistoric lake villages of what is now Switzerland.

Raspberries were included in the practical poetry of Thomas Tusser and noted by Gerard in the 16^th century. At the time the fruit of the closely related bramble was considered far superior and raspberries were used more for medicinal and tonic purposes.

High in fiber, raspberries possess valuable amount of vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron and potassium. Raspberries also provide bioflavonoids which may protect against cancer. People sensitive to aspirin should be aware that raspberries contain a natural salicylate which can cause an allergic reaction.  Raspberries also contain oxalic acid which can aggravate kidney and bladder stones.

Heart Smart Blueberries Supplanted Once Popular Huckleberries

Blueberries, huckleberries or whortleberries are low shrubs native to Europe, found on heaths and moors in acid soils. Blueberries are also a traditional American fruit with different regions favoring different species, such as Highbrush or Swamo and Rabbiteye blueberries in the warmer areas and the Lowbrush, Early or Low blueberries farther north.

Huckleberries were once very popular. They would be picked from the wild and taken to market in the twons where they were esteemed for tarts and jellies. They were a staple food to the Scots Highlanders who ate them in milk and made them into wine. Huckleberries went into oblivion when the better fruiting blueberries from America became available.

Blueberries are a good source of dietary fiber and an excellent source of antioxidants. Blueberries provide some vitamin C and iron. Blueberries are thought to protect against some intestinal upsets and urinary tract infections. Blueberries have been known to cause allergies in some people.