The Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus

Description

Bilberries, sometimes known as European or Swedish Blueberries, Whortleberry, or Blaeberry in Scotland, is a species of low-growing shrub that is native to Europe, bearing edible, dark blue berries in late summer. They are found in low-nutrient acidic soils, mainly in forest and moorland areas in the UK. Bilberries were the first foraged item that Arthur was introduced to and are one of his favourite berries. He has been gathering and eating them since he was 18 months old and can readily identify the Bilberry bush, even without fruit. Harvesting the berries is slow going, unless you use a tool, such as a Swedish berry picker. We use them in lots of recipes, from crumbles and fools, to pies and pastries, and add them to porridge, smoothies, fruit salads, yogurts, and ice cream. We also use them to make syrup or cordial. The leaves of the bilberry bush can also be harvested for use in Moorland Tea, and provide a tart, apple-like flavour.