Huckleberries vs Blueberries

I always used to get confused when it came to huckleberries vs blueberries. I thought they were the same, just known by different names in different places. But you know what, there are lot of differences between them. Though these differences are very minor, there are few people who can tell you which one is the huckleberry and which is the blueberry. After taking help from various sources I have found out some of the differences between blueberries and huckleberries. So, just read the paragraphs ahead and get some enriching information.

Huckleberries vs Blueberries

Blueberries are more commonly found in the market than huckleberries because the blueberries can be cultivated easily but the huckleberries can grow only in the wild areas of South Pacific. The following points will help you to understand them better.

Origin
Blueberries belong to Vaccinium genus and predominantly come from North America but they can also be found in some parts of Asia and Europe, whereas huckleberries belong to the Gaylussacia genus and can be found in both North America as well as South America. There are about 20 species in blueberries and about 40 species in the huckleberry. Highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum), rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei), lowbush (Vaccinium angustifolium var. laevifolium) and creeping blueberry (Vaccinium crassifolium) are some of the pure species of blueberry. Whereas evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) and red huckleberry/red whortleberry (Vaccinium parvifolium) and some of the species of huckleberry.

Appearance & Features
Both the berries are quite similar in appearance. The plant height may vary from 1 to 12 feet and the plant types may be evergreen or deciduous, based on the climate and the species. The leaves may or may not vary in appearance as both of them have oval green leaves. Blueberries blossom white to light green or pale pink flowers whereas the huckleberry plant bears dull red flowers. Though they blossom differently their fruits are almost similar in appearance. Fruits are rounded, small, juicy and are found in the shades of black, blue or red. In both the cases, the fruit usually turns black when ripe. Seeds can be the best way to determine which is a blueberry and which is a huckleberry. Blueberries are full of soft and tiny seeds whereas huckleberries have about ten seeds which are hard and pebble like.

Healthy Growth Requirements
The method of growing huckleberries and blueberries is the same. They both require high acidic soil of about 4.0 to 6.0 pH. They need proper moisture but at the same time well drained soil. Organic matter may help in the proper growth of the plant. They require full sun to partial shade, they can also grow well in an open woodland setting.

Fruit Taste
One of the most important facts about blueberries is that they are tastier than blueberries. Huckleberries are difficult to cultivate, they are grown in a wild environment but blueberries can be easily cultivated hence they get a lot of water supply and moisture which increases the amount of water in the fruits which makes them somewhat bland. Huckleberries are more sweet, tart and intense in taste as compared to the blueberries. People who have tasted both the berries will definitely go for huckleberries.

Both the berries are used in making lots of edible products like jellies, jams, pies, muffins, snack foods, etc. They can be used interchangeably as people are usually not able to differentiate the taste. Both of them have many nutritional values like vitamin B and C and help in reducing blood sugar. They are also helpful in relieving urinary tract infections, heart attacks, strokes, etc. I hope by now you will be able to differentiate between both the berries and if you are not then don't worry you are not alone. Just enjoy their juicy taste and try to make out which one is the best.