Cookbook:Huckleberry
| Huckleberry | |
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| Category | Fruits |
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Huckleberries are a large group of berries closely related to blueberries and cranberries.[1][2][3] They come largely from the genera Gaylussacia and Vaccinium.[4][5][6]
Nomenclature
editThe naming of huckleberries can be quite confusing, since in many regions the terms huckleberry, bilberry, whortleberry, and blueberry are sometimes used interchangeably.[7] They are also not restricted to one taxonomic grouping, so the huckleberry vs other berry distinction is somewhat cultural. Some may consider true huckleberries limited to Vaccinium species,[7] and some limit them to Gaylussacia.[1][3][8]
Characteristics
editHuckleberries are very similar to blueberries in many respects, and they can sometimes be confused with each other. Huckleberries are small, smooth, and round, and their color varies from red to blue, purple, and black.[4][5][9][10] They are typically a bit shinier than blueberries, which have more of a light dusty coating.[6] They are somewhat tart in flavor,[5][10] and some describe them as having a mealy texture.[5]
Because huckleberries are so diverse, specific characteristics will depend on the species. For example, Gaylussacia species have 10 larger and harder (but edible) seeds,[6][7][9] while Vaccinium species have fewer and smaller seeds.[6] Similarly, while some species of huckleberry produce single berries, and others produce berries in small clusters.[7][10]
| Common name | Species | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common/black/high-bush huckleberry | Gaylussacia baccata | Eastern USA and Canada | |
| Box huckleberry | Gaylussacia brachycera | Eastern, Central USA | |
| Dwarf huckleberry | Gaylussacia dumosa | Eastern USA and Canada | |
| Grouse/dwarf red whortleberry, small-leaved huckleberry, red alpine blueberry | Vaccinium scoparium | Western North America | Dense shrubs, 3–18 inches tall; tiny berries with somewhat soft texture. |
| Dwarf bilberry, dwarf huckleberry, whortleberry | Vaccinium myrtillus | North America, Europe, and Asia | Shrubs 6–24 inches tall |
| Mountain/black/tall/big/thin-leaved/globe/Montana huckleberry, mountain bilberry | Vaccinium membranaceum | Northwestern USA and western Canada; sometimes in Arizona and Minnesota | Bushes 1–9 feet tall; berries range from red to blue, purple, black, white, and yellow; widely harvested |
| Oval-leaved bilberry, oval-leaved/Alaska/highbush blueberry | Vaccinium ovalifolium | Northern USA, Southern Canada, regions in Asia and Europe | Bushes 1.5–12 feet tall; berries are blue, with mild sour flavor |
| Evergreen/shot/blackwinter huckleberry | Vaccinium ovatum | Western coasts of USA and Canada (California to British Columbia) | Bushes 1–12 feet tall; leaves stiff and serrated; berries black with low yield |
| Cascade/blue huckleberry, cascade bilberry | Vaccinium deliciosum | California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia | Bushes 6–36 inches tall; berries large and bright blue with strong aroma |
| Red huckleberry, red bilberry, southern cranberry. | Vaccinium parvifolium | Oregon, Washington, California, British Columbia, and southern USA | Bushes 3–20 feet tall; berries red and waxy with sour flavor |
| Alpine/bog/tundra bilberry | Vaccinium uliginosum | North America, Europe, and Asia from 38–78˚ north | Bushes <36 inches tall; berries blue and ¼ inch acros |
| Dwarf huckleberry/blueberry/bilberry/whortleberry | Vaccinium caespitosum | North America | Bushes 3–24 inches tall; berries bright blue |
Seasonality
editDepending on the specific variety, huckleberries are normally in season from summer to fall, with the earliest ripening in June and later varieties sticking around through September.[4][5][6][9][11]
Selection and storage
editHuckleberries have not been domesticated and are not cultivated on a commercial level.[4][10][11] As such, they are very rarely available at grocery stores.[10] Look for them instead at local farmer's markets, or try foraging for them in the wild.[4][10]
Like other delicate berries, huckleberries can be stored unwashed in the refrigerator for up to a week, and they will last on the order of months when frozen.[2]
Use
editMuch like other berries—and especially blueberries—huckleberries are good for use in preserves, cakes, pancakes, pies, and more.[2][4][5][9][11]
Substitution
editHuckleberries and blueberries can substitute for each other in many cases due to their similarity.[10] However, be prepared to adjust the amount of sugar, since huckleberries can be less sweet than blueberries.[10]
Recipes
editReferences
edit- ↑ a b c "Huckleberry | Description, Plant, Fruit, Leaves, Distribution, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ↑ a b c "Eight Juicy Questions about Huckleberries". National Forest Foundation. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ↑ a b Davidson, Alan (2014-01-01). Jaine, Tom (ed.). The Oxford Companion to Food. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acref/9780199677337.001.0001. ISBN 978-0-19-967733-7.
- ↑ a b c d e f "What are Huckleberries?". DelightedCooking. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ↑ a b c d e f "What Is a Huckleberry and What Does It Taste Like?". Allrecipes. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ↑ a b c d e Lyle, Katie Letcher (2016-09-15). The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Mushrooms, Fruits, and Nuts: Finding, Identifying, and Cooking. Falcon Guides. ISBN 978-1-4930-1864-2.
- ↑ a b c d e (PDF) https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/Extension/county/Bonner/horticulture/nifrc-huckleberries-and-bilberries.pdf.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ↑ Kipfer, Barbara Ann (2012-04-11). The Culinarian: A Kitchen Desk Reference. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-544-18603-3.
- ↑ a b c d "15 Lesser-Known Berries You Should Try". Serious Eats. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h "Huckleberry or Blueberry: What's the difference?". Northwest Wild Foods. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
- ↑ a b c Rinsky, Glenn; Rinsky, Laura Halpin (2008-02-28). The Pastry Chef's Companion: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for the Baking and Pastry Professional. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-00955-0.