Where can I buy wild bilberries in the UK?

Where do Bilberries grow? Within the UK you will find Bilberry bushes growing amongst heather and gorse plants on upland acidic soils.

Where can you find bilberries?

Bilberries are found natively across northern Europe, Iceland and across the Caucasus into northern Asia. In June, small pink bell-shaped flowers appear and by August, the small bushes are covered in bilberries, which are commonly harvested to make jams, pies and sauces.

Can you still get bilberries?

Bilberries are usually found growing on the high ground and also in hard to reach places. It is, for this reason, you will rarely find bilberries in large quantities, or perhaps at all, in the store. A few northern supermarkets do make them available when in season.

Can you grow bilberry in the UK?

All of Britain’s moors grow bilberries, as well as the acidic heaths of Surrey, and whilst I am sure all of those regions have their own memories, it is in Somerset, particularly Exmoor, that I have learnt about its history.

Is Bilberry the same as blueberry?

Bilberries are smaller and darker than blueberries, appearing to be almost black with a hint of blue. They are dark inside too, whereas blueberries have a pale green flesh. Bilberries are more intensely flavoured than blueberries, but they are softer and juicier than blueberries making them difficult to transport.

Is Bilberry poisonous?

When taken by mouth: Eating dried, ripe bilberry fruit in typical food amounts is likely safe for most people. Bilberry fruit extracts are possibly safe when taken in doses up to 160 mg daily for up to 6 months. But bilberry leaf is possibly unsafe to take in high doses or for a long time.

Are bilberries and huckleberries the same?

In western North America, the common names huckleberry, bilberry, whortleberry, and blueberry are largely interchangeable. And contrary to some, these plants rate as true huckleberries. Like their cousins in eastern North America, western huckleberries and bilberries are woody, perennial shrubs in the heath family.

Is bilberry the same as blueberry?

Is Blueberry the same as bilberry?

Are bilberries wild blueberries?

Bilberries, also known as European wild blueberries, are part of the same plant family as blueberries but are usually smaller in size, darker in color, and full of surprises. Therefore, if you like blueberries, you will love bilberries!

Where do bilberries grow in the UK?

According to the excellent site botanical.com, bilberries grow best on high grounds and heathlands, and are consequently “more abundant in the north and west of England than the south and east”.

Are wild blueberries called bilberries?

Bilberries, also known as European wild blueberries, are part of the same plant family as blueberries but are usually smaller in size, darker in color, and full of surprises.