blueberries
Coverage of blueberries in the Nexus archive.
- Popular smoothie ingredient may reduce one key health benefit, study suggests
Research suggests that bananas contain polyphenol oxidase (PPO), an enzyme capable of breaking down beneficial polyphenols found in ingredients like blueberries. A study published in Food & Function analyzing food absorption showed participants absorbed significantly fewer plant compounds after drinking a banana smoothie compared to taking supplements. However, some dietitians caution that the findings were based on only eight participants and that bananas still provide beneficial nutrients like fiber.
- Forget gold and copper. Africa’s latest boom is in blueberries and oranges
Africa is experiencing a boom in blueberry and orange exports, shifting focus from traditional commodities like gold and copper. The surge in fruit exports highlights the potential of high-value agriculture to drive industrialisation.
- Regularly eating dark-fleshed grapes, berries and blueberries can improve heart health
Regular consumption of dark-fleshed grapes, berries, and blueberries may enhance heart health. The article highlights the potential cardiovascular benefits of these foods.
- Blueberries recall expanded after four people hospitalized over bacterial contamination
A blueberry recall has been expanded after four people were hospitalized due to bacterial contamination. The incident highlights concerns over food safety and contamination risks.
- You’re Not Imagining It: Your Kid’s School Supplies Cost More This Year
School supply prices have increased by 7.7% this year, with parents paying an average of $173.45 for 21 common items. School lunch essentials like blueberries and apple juice have also seen significant price hikes, driven by tariffs and the war on Iran.
- Why do your kid’s school supplies cost more this year?
School supply and lunch costs have risen significantly, with prices for 21 common school items up 7.7% on average, totaling $173.45 per family. School lunch essentials increased by 11%, adding nearly $4,000 annually. Tariffs and the war on Iran are cited as contributors to rising costs, particularly for imported goods like blueberries.
- Zimbabwe Ships First Blueberries to China Under Zero-Tariff Deal
Zimbabwe exported its first commercial blueberries to China in July 2026 under a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries that took effect on 1 May 2026. Zimbabwe, Africa’s third-largest blueberry producer, aims to produce 12,000 metric tons in 2026.
- My Maddening Quest to Find Out if Blueberries Come From Farms Where Workers Were Harmed
The article details an investigation into whether blueberries sold in grocery stores originate from farms with labor abuses. It reveals that federal regulators do not require packaging to disclose specific farm sources, complicating efforts to trace berries to farms linked to labor trafficking cases, such as one involving a labor contractor who pleaded guilty to forced labor conspiracy.
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Begins Blueberry Exports to China As It Targets a $400 Million Market
Zimbabwe has started exporting fresh blueberries to China, entering a rapidly growing consumer market. The move targets a $400 million market opportunity for Zimbabwe's expanding horticultural industry.
- Peru Bets Its Next Export Boom on Cherries for China
Peru is working to establish a plant-health protocol to export cherries to China, with a Chinese agriculture official confirming progress. The strategy mirrors Peru's successful blueberry export model, which has seen significant growth in China, and involves the new Chancay port for shipments.