by Michael Anderson

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 21, 2009

Huckleberries are very similar to bluberries in size and appearance. The only difference is that the huckleberries' colors can vary from a deep crimson to an eggplant purple. While the blueberry and the huckleberry taste similar, the flavor is at its maximum when the huckleberry is fully ripe. Wild huckleberries can be found in August throughout the Northwestern part of the United States. In addition, they can be found in grocery stores, but only in a handful of stores. Huckleberries are very rare and are not cultivated like their cousin, the blueberry. If a person is lucky enough to find a market, they should expect to pay a hefty price.

If someone happens to live in a remote area where huckleberries grow, they are advised to avoid picking them in the early evening or early morning hours. Bears are known to eat huckleberries around those times. These berries are highly favorable to bears because the berry's high sugar content allows bears to store fat for long winters. On a different note, huckleberries can be used to make jams, pies, cobblers, and preserves. Huckleberry jams and syrups can also be purchased from the Internet.

Huckleberries are rich in antioxidants that fight against free radicals that can lead to cancer. One berry contains more antioxidants than twenty glasses of apple juice. Other health benefits include:

Drastically improving blood sugar

Remarkably improving circulation

Acting as a laxative to naturally treat diarrhea

Promoting insulin production

Improving the digestive system functions

Treating urinary tract infections

Controlling cholesterol levels

Helping fight infections

Being used as a mouthwash to treat infections

Vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E

Protecting eye health caused by diabetes

Protecting against peptic ulcers

Protecting against hemorrhoids

Protecting against glaucoma

Promoting vasodilation for better peripheral circulation

Vasodilation is a process when the blood vessels become wider following the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the vessel wall. As a result, blood pressure will be reduced because there is more room for blood. Peripheral circulation insufficiency is caused by the hardening of blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

When used on a regular basis, huckleberry tea eases symptoms of glycosuria and hyperglycemia. The leaves from huckleberries are quite valuable as well. The leaves can be dried and used to make tea that promotes healthy starch digestion. In addition, they are low in both calories and sodium and are free of both fat and cholesterol.

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