Bilberry

The bilberry or whortleberry is indigenous to Europe. Bilberries resemble the North American blueberry and in fact are closely related, although the bilberry grows on a much larger bush that can reach 15 feet (4.5 meters) in height. The bilberry bush produces either single or paired berries but never clusters like the North American blueberry bush. The berries are black-blue in color with a deep reddish purple pulp. They are smaller than a blueberry and said to be more flavorful. Bilberries are eaten fresh; made into jams, juice, and pies; and used as a base for liqueurs and to flavor sorbets. Called myrtille in France, bleuet refers to the North American variety.