Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) – deciduous shrub of the heath family, growing up to 1–3 m in height depending on the variety. Externally, it differs from huckleberry by having a light woody stem and irregular berry shape, whereas huckleberries are more round and bright purple. Bushes begin to bear fruit as early as the third year after planting.
The "NEYA (Lakomka)" variety belongs to the medium-height type and is characterized by an average berry weight of 1.2 g, juiciness, and blue color. Berries have a sour-sweet taste without a pronounced aroma, contain 10% sugar, 0.5% acid, and 13.8% vitamin C. It bears fruit only on shoots of the previous year and has an average ripening period.
For successful blueberry cultivation, it is necessary to provide acidic soil (pH 4–5) with good drainage and constant moisture in the root zone at a depth of 15–25 cm. The shrub is resistant to low temperatures, does not attract pests and diseases, which makes it undemanding for gardeners. Berries can be consumed fresh and used when making jam, compotes, and jelly, thanks to their low caloric value (39 kcal/100 g) and beneficial properties – improvement of skin condition, reduction of cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as strengthening the immune system.
