What is the difference between blueberries and honeysuckle - how to distinguish them
The dark blue berries of edible honeysuckle are similar in appearance to blueberries. The bluish waxy coating is also misleading - just like on blueberries. However, there are differences between these plants: blueberries are closely related to blueberries and lingonberries, and honeysuckle belongs to the genus Honeysuckle.
Both shrubs grow wild mainly in regions with cold climates. In areas with warm and temperate climates, blueberries and honeysuckle edible varieties cultivated on private farms. What is the difference between them and how to distinguish the fruits by appearance, we will tell you in the article.
Blueberries and honeysuckle - the same thing or not
Blueberries and honeysuckle are deciduous shrubs that grow primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.
blueberry bush - the closest relative of blueberries and lingonberries. This is a species of shrubs of the genus Vaccinium, of the Ericaceae family. Distribution area - regions with cold and temperate climates, tundra, forest zone, upper mountain belt, swamps, peat bogs. Blueberries grow in Iceland, Great Britain, Japan, and Alaska.
Honeysuckle - an erect, climbing or creeping shrub from the Honeysuckle genus. In the scientific literature, more than 190 species growing in the Northern Hemisphere are identified.
In Russia there are 14 species of wild honeysuckle. The berries of wild species are red, orange, black and dark purple. They are unsuitable for human consumption due to the presence of the toxic substance xylostein, which causes poisoning.
The berries of the edible honeysuckle, which grows in the Far East and Siberia, China and Korea, are eaten.
Reference. In the North, blueberries are poured with fish oil and stored in birch bark boxes.
What is the difference between honeysuckle and blueberry
Blueberries and edible honeysuckle berries are sometimes confused due to their similarities in appearance. However, plants have significant differences.
The difference between the fruits is clearly presented in the comparative table.
| Options | Blueberry | Honeysuckle |
|---|---|---|
| Bush height | 1.5 m | 2.5 m |
| Berries | Round, blue with a bluish bloom, 2 cm in diameter. | Oblong, dark blue in color with a waxy coating, 0.6-1.5 cm in diameter, 1.2-3.5 cm in length. |
| Fruit weight | 1 g | 2 g |
| Taste | Sweet and sour with a subtle bitterness. | Sour, sweet and sour. |
| Pulp | Light green | The core is green, closer to the skin - dark blue |
| Flowering period | May | May |
| Flowers | White-pink color | White-yellow color |
| Fruiting | End of June - beginning of July | June |
| Leaves | Oblong-oval, green | Oblong-elliptical, pointed |
| Duration of fruiting | 100 years | 20-30 years |
| Cold resistance | Withstands frosts down to -30°C, short-term frosts during the flowering period down to -6°C.
|
Withstands frosts down to -50°C, short-term frosts during the flowering period down to -7°C.
|
| Productivity | 7 kg from 1 bush | 2 kg from 1 bush |
| Keeping quality | 1 month | 2 weeks |
| Features of culture | Low level of drought resistance, susceptible to insect attacks, prefer acidic soil. | Low level of berry preservation and productivity, drought resistance. |
Among the best crops there is a mid-early variety - Blueberry Honeysuckle with large cylindrical fruits, light blue in color. The variety attracts attention with its delicate, sweet and sour fruit pulp.
Which is better and more useful?
Which is better - blueberry or honeysuckle? It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. Both berries deserve attention; they have a lot of beneficial properties due to their chemical composition.
Compare the set of vitamins and minerals in the summary table.
| Nutrients | Blueberry | Honeysuckle |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | — | 70.4 mcg |
| beta carotene | — | 0.42 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.01 mg | 3 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.02 mg | 3 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg | 30 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.4 mg | — |
| Vitamin PP | 0.4 mg | — |
| Vitamin K | — | 80 mcg |
| Potassium | 51 mg | 70 mg |
| Calcium | 16 mg | 19 mg |
| Magnesium | 7 mg | 21 mg |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 35 mg |
| Phosphorus | 8 mg | 35 mg |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 0.8 mg |
Nutritional value of blueberries:
- calorie content - 39 kcal;
- proteins - 1 g;
- fats - 0.5 g;
- carbohydrates - 6.6 g;
- fiber - 2.5 g;
- water - 88 g.
Nutritional value of honeysuckle:
- calorie content - 41.2 kcal;
- proteins - 0 g;
- fats - 0 g;
- carbohydrates - 8.5 g;
- fiber - 1 g;
- water - 86 g.
Useful properties of honeysuckle
In the fruits of edible honeysuckle contain tannins (astringents) that determine their tart taste. They have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effects.
Pectins help normalize intestinal microflora, get rid of bloating and diarrhea. They inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and promote the removal of radionuclides.
Due to its high content of ascorbic acid, honeysuckle is used to treat colds, prevent vitamin deficiency, generally strengthen the body and maintain defenses.
Honeysuckle berries have an expectorant effect. Fresh juice treats trophic ulcers, lichens and burns.
Reference. The harsher the climatic conditions, the sweeter the fruits of wild edible honeysuckle.
Beneficial properties of blueberries
Blueberry fruits have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, choleretic, and tonic effects on the body. The taste of the berries is more delicate and sweeter, so both adults and children like them.
Blueberries lower blood sugar levels, so consuming them regularly is especially beneficial for diabetics.
The fiber contained in berries regulates digestive function, reduces bloating, and eliminates stomach cramps.
Calcium strengthens bone and tooth tissue. Vitamin K normalizes blood circulation, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases to a minimum.
Carotenoids in blueberry fruits increase visual acuity.
Conclusion
The difference between blueberries and honeysuckle lies in the appearance of the bushes and their fruits. Blueberries are round in shape, blue in color with a bluish bloom and light green flesh. The fruits of edible honeysuckle are elongated, dark blue in color with a waxy coating, and green-purple flesh. The taste of blueberries is sweeter, with a pleasant sourness. Honeysuckle has a pronounced sweet-sour, slightly tart taste.
The chemical composition of the berries is almost identical, with the difference that honeysuckle contains vitamin A and beta-carotene, along with B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Both berries are good for health: they regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary and immune systems. Blueberries are especially beneficial for people with diabetes due to their ability to lower sugar levels.