Applicant has found that blueberries and particularly wild blueberries, are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanin, anti-inflammatories, and other natural compounds which provide health benefits. Applicant has developed improved fruit drinks and related products, as well as methods of producing such drinks and products. Preference is for blueberries having the "bloom" on them, the natural light blue powder fresh berries have, and a resident native bacterium (Serratia vaccinii) on the blueberry plant itself. Raw blueberry material is harvested from special "clean" fields, the blueberry material being cleaned with a waterless processing line using blowers, wire lines and sliding tables. A certain percentage of the raw material is preferrably blueberry leaves as well as berries (usually less than 10% by volume). Applicant describes a steam process to draw out the nutritional elements, rather than pressing. Combinations of blends of other juices and leaf extracts of other fruits are also described.
展开▼
