Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a shrub-form plant belonging to the heather family (Ericaceae). It typically grows in forest areas, mountainous regions, and moist soils. The plant reaches a height of 10–50 cm and produces spherical, fleshy, blue-purple fruits in summer. These fruits are dark-colored due to anthocyanin pigments and are rich in antioxidant content.
Bilberry (Source: Anadolu Agency)
Biogeography and Natural Distribution
Vaccinium myrtillus is widely found in the northern and central parts of Europe, as well as in western parts of Asia and North America. In Turkey, its natural distribution area is primarily the humid, cool, and acidic soil sub-forest ecosystems of the Eastern Black Sea Region. In the provinces of Rize, Artvin and Trabzon, it is known by local names such as “likapa”, “çalı çileği”, “murt” or “ayı üzümü”. It typically grows at altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,000 meters, usually under beech, spruce, and fir forests.
As an important understory floristic species in the ecosystems where it grows, bilberry has ecological functions for both soil vitality and wildlife. Its fruits also serve as a food source for birds and mammals.
Agricultural Production and Economic Potential
Bilberry fruit is produced using both traditional and modern agricultural practices. In addition to the wild species V. myrtillus, larger-fruited and cultivated species include Vaccinium corymbosum (highbush blueberry) and Vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry). These species have also started to be grown commercially in Turkey in recent years.
Bilberry is produced and transformed into value-added products, primarily through organic farming projects in the Black Sea region, rural development support programs, and cooperatives. Its fruit is consumed fresh, as well as traded in frozen, dried, jam, syrup, marmalade, juice, tea, and capsule forms.
Biochemical Content and Health Effects
Bilberry is a fruit particularly rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and vitamins C, K, and E. These compounds play a protective role against oxidative stress in cell membranes. The high antioxidant capacity of bilberry makes it important in the functional food category. Furthermore, its richness in fiber is known for its positive effects on the digestive system.
Unripe Bilberry (TRT News)
Usage Areas of Bilberry
Usage in the Food Industry
Bilberry is a widely used fruit in the food industry, both fresh and processed. The Vaccinium corymbosum species, in particular, is preferred in commercial operations due to its large fruit size and suitability for harvesting.
Fresh Consumption
Fresh bilberry is consumed directly in fruit salads, breakfast plates, and as snacks. Its low glycemic index has made it one of the preferred fruits in diabetic diets.
Dried and Frozen Products
Dried bilberry is marketed as an energy-dense snack. It is used in muesli, granola, nut mixes, and energy bars. The frozen form is suitable for off-season consumption and largely retains its freshness.
Beverage Products
Bilberry is processed and consumed in the form of juice, smoothies, and herbal teas. It is also used in juice concentrates and fermented products (e.g., fruit kefir). It particularly finds a place in the marketing of products with high antioxidant content.
Jam, Marmalade, and Confectionery Industry
Bilberry is used as an ingredient in jams, marmalades, compotes, and pies. Thanks to its anthocyanin pigments, which are partially resistant to heat treatment, it can provide color preservation even in heat-treated products.
Usage in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Bilberry extract has become one of the preferred botanical sources in skincare products in recent years. The main reasons for this include the capacity of its antioxidants to fight free radicals and its rich vitamin C content.
- It is used in skin serums, antioxidant creams, under-eye care products, and anti-aging masks.
- It is preferred for reasons such as preserving skin elasticity, supporting collagen synthesis, and providing a protective effect against UV rays.
Usage in Animal Husbandry and Feed Industry
Some research indicates that adding bilberry pomace to animal feed can strengthen the immune system due to its antioxidant properties. However, its use in this area is still limited and experimental.
Evaluation in Agriculture and Horticulture
The bilberry plant is also evaluated for soil improvement in areas with high soil acidity. Additionally, it is used in natural landscape arrangements for erosion control and aesthetic contribution due to its shrub form.
Bilberry Bush (Source: İnegöl Municipality)
Conservation and Sustainability
The natural habitats of bilberry are at risk due to climate change, deforestation, and uncontrolled harvesting activities. Therefore, projects carried out under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Turkey encourage the protection of the species' natural populations and sustainable production methods.
