WHY WILD BLUEBERRY LEAVES TURN RED IN AUTUMN

In Canada, wild blueberry picking season is in August, and shortly after in autumn (fall), our wild blueberry producers many acres of fields turn a fiery red. What causes them to turn this colour?

It’s all of the anthocyanins in the leaves! And the retention of carotenoids. Anthocyanins are responsible for wild blueberries powerful health benefits. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, a family of powerful antioxidants that fight the effects of aging and oxidative stress which can contribute to disease. 

This yearly colour show is an effect of pigments being created by the wild blueberry bush just before the leaves fall. 

Here are some photos of our producers wild blueberry fields with fiery red leaves.

The research in anthocyanins capacity to reduce inflammation and its benefits to us is constantly growing. Wild blueberries have 33% more anthocyanins than regular blueberries on the market, providing you a great tool to keep your body strong. Read here for the benefits and research of the antioxidant anthocyanins on our body.

Once Wild Blueberry harvest is complete, the plants prepare to go dormant for the winter.

Reference: 

https://www.wildblueberries.com/blog/why-do-wild-blueberry-barrens-turn-red-in-fall-wild-blueberries/