Youngberry Fruit Facts and Health Benefits 101

Facts About Youngberries

The scientific name of the youngberry is Rubus caesius. The plant belongs to the Rosaceae family. Youngberry is a crossbreed blackberry variety with a red color plus a sweet and juicy flesh. The youngberry was grown in Morgan City by B. M. Young date back in 1905 but was only introduced in 1926, getting important rapidly. It is different from other varieties of blackberries as the berry has long, slim stems that trail on the ground. The youngberries ripen a fortnight sooner than other blackberry species. Normally, youngberries are planted in gardens. When the fruit ripens, it becomes purplish-black, attached to a receptacle with a cone shape. There are over 24 varieties of blackberry around the world and youngberry is just one of those. While the blackberry was grown as wild berries, it was seldom developed into a garden fruit before 1850 but following that year the youngberry has been widely grown.

Varieties of Youngberries

No further species of youngberries, since the fruit itself is a variety of the blueberry. Then again, the hybrids of youngberries with some other blueberry species including dewberries have created loganberries, olallieberries and boysenberries.

Youngberries

Health Benefits of Eating Youngberries

Youngberry is abundant with Vitamin A, which is essential in keeping good eyesight.
The presence of vitamin B1 in the berries helps promote digestion. Thiamine is also good for maintaining a healthy nervous system in our body.
The health benefits of vitamin C in youngberries include helping us to build a stronger immune system and also healing the wounds faster.
Calcium in the berries helps build stronger bones and teeth. It is essential to prevent osteoporosis.
As youngberries are rich in potassium it helps control hypertension. Potassium also aids to restore regular function to your kidneys. Youngberries have a naturally sourced plant phenol called ellagic acid, which helps reduce carotid artery wall thickness and blood pressure.
Pectin in the fruit helps lower LDL cholesterol, improve the conditions of insulin resistance and cure diarrhea.
The leaves and roots of the fruit have flavonoids, which are antioxidants that may help prevent cancers.
Youngberries are believed to contain various therapeutic properties just like the roots that are dried and utilized in decoctions.
The fruit is also high in iron. The key function of iron is to carry oxygen from our lungs to muscles and some other organs in our body. Deficiency of iron may cause headaches, fatigue and irritability.
Youngberries contain a moderate quantity of magnesium, which helps maintain regular functions of muscles and nerves, regulates heart rhythm, builds a strong immune system, and strengthen bone structures.
Substantial amount of dietary fibers found in youngberries are good for preventing constipation. Fibers also provides other health benefits including reducing risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Youngberry Calories and Nutritional Value

Per Serving of 1 Cup Youngberries
Calories	62
Total Fat	0.71 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	1 mg
Potassium	233 mg
Total Carbohydrate	13.84 g
Protein	2 g

How to Choose and Buy Youngberries?

Just like other berries, youngberries are extremely perishable, so take a close look for soft or moldy fruit.
Local berry varieties are also tend to be better in taste and quality due to their perishable nature.
Pick youngberries that are firm, bright and plump, with strong fragrance.

How to Store Youngberries?

When you purchase youngberries, use them within a short period, while they usually cannot be kept more than 3 to 4 days without having significant losses in appearance, flavor and overall quality.
It is smart to store the berries in the vegetable crisper of the fridge, as it lets the cool air to flow around them.
Only rinse the berries if you are prepared to use them.
In case you need to keep youngberries over a long time, you may freeze them. It is the best way to keep them to be used in baked foods and desserts. Here is an advice -- put in a little sugar to keep the color of the youngberries!

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