Difference Between Sloe and Blueberries

Sloes and blueberries are fruits with aromatic properties and an intense purple color that often confuses many people. It is common that many people are unaware of the characteristics of each of them and their differences, especially in places where these fruits are not commonly consumed.

Therefore, in this article we will present a description of each of these fruits, to determine in this way, the differences that exist between them.

sloes

Sloes are the fruits of the bush -Prunus spinosa-, better known as blackthorn, typical of central and southern Europe and which in turn belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a circular fruit with a violet-bluish color very similar to the wild plum and that has a small seed in the center of the fruit. Likewise, they have a bittersweet taste and are very rich in natural pigments with antioxidant action.

Next, due to its bittersweet taste, it is very popular for making liqueurs, jellies and jams. Sloes have antioxidant characteristics due to their carotenoids and anthocyanins among their pigments. These are mainly made up of 61% water, 35% carbohydrates, 2.9% proteins, Calcium 37 mg, vitamin A 390 mg, vitamin C 16 mg, Magnesium 13.6 mg and iron 2.1 mg.

In ancient times, sloes were used as a medicinal and food plant. Therefore, as a medicinal plant it is used to combat constipation, since it has laxative properties and for stomach conditions due to its astringent properties. Currently, it is also well known for its cosmetic properties, since masks for the skin of the face are made with them. Apart from this, it is also used for turning and manufacturing canes, since the wood of this bush is very resistant.

blueberries

Blueberries are the fruits of the shrub -vaccinium- of the order Ericales, coming from the cold regions of the northern hemisphere. There are approximately 172 different species of blueberries known, the most common being the common blueberry, also called blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), the blackberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), and the lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea).

The blueberry is a small, round fruit that ends in a kind of crown and does not have a seed in the center of the fruit. It is characterized by its bluish-black color and has a rich acid flavor and a very aromatic fragrance. The blueberry is consumed fresh or as part of cakes, compotes, jams, cookies, syrups, juices and liqueurs.

In addition to this, the blueberry is also known by the name of -bilberry-. This has astringent properties because it has tannin, in addition to antidiarrheal, hypoglycemic and antiseptic properties. Blueberries are rich in potassium, as they contain 72 mg, vitamin A 30 IU, vitamin C 12 mg, calcium 14 mg, phosphorus 10 mg and magnesium 6 mg. Likewise, these constitute a great nutritional and caloric contribution of 42 calories and 1.7 grams of fiber per 100 grams.

As can be seen in the descriptions presented, there are many similarities between sloes and blueberries, but there are also elementary differences that can help their identification, which are indicated in the following table: