Bilberry

Bilberry is a common name for several similar species of low-growing shrubs in the genus Vaccinium, bearing edible berries. The species most often referred to is Vaccinium myrtillus, native to Northern Europe, including Hebrew: שיח הדביקן (shiakh ha'dvikhan), and other temperate and subarctic regions. Bilberries are closely related to blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries, all of which are sometimes colloquially referred to as bilberries. The fruits are small, dark blue to purple, and grow in clusters. They are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, and have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes. In German, bilberry is known as Heidelbeere, in French as myrtille, and in Spanish as arándano. Bilberries are often used in jams, pies, and other desserts, and can also be consumed fresh or dried. The leaves of the bilberry plant have been used in herbal teas and as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including diarrhea and diabetes.