When you think of blueberries, chances are you're picturing the plump, cultivated kind sold in grocery stores. But wild blueberries are a different species altogether. These tiny but mighty fruits house antioxidants, a bolder flavor, and a nutrient profile that gives them serious superfood status.

Unless you're from Maine, you probably don't know much about the wild low-brush blueberries that grow across rocky fields. 95% of all blueberries in the U.S. come from Maine.

If you're wondering whether wild blueberries are healthier than regular ones, or even how to spot the difference, you're in the right place. Here are 10 things to know about wild blueberries vs. their cultivated cousin.

10. Size Matters

Wild blueberries are much smaller than the plump, farm-grown ones you’re probably used to. On average, a wild blueberry is about one-third the size of a cultivated berry. That tiny size isn’t a flaw. It’s actually what makes them so nutrient-dense.

With less water content and more skin-to-flesh ratio, wild blueberries pack more antioxidants per bite. They also tend to hold their shape better when baked or blended, making them a favorite in pies, muffins, and smoothies that need a punch of real blueberry flavor.

9. Not All Blueberries Taste the Same

Wild blueberries have a deeper, more complex flavor than regular ones. They’re tangy, slightly sweet, and sometimes a little earthy—kind of like a blueberry with personality. Their bold taste shines in everything from yogurt and oatmeal to baked goods and sauces.

Cultivated blueberries, on the other hand, are bred to be big, sweet, and mild, which means they’re often watery or bland by comparison.

8. Growing Pains

Wild blueberries grow on their own terms. They spread through underground rhizomes, creating thick patches of low bushes across rocky terrain. No one plants them. They’ve been growing naturally in parts of Maine and Eastern Canada for thousands of years. Each wild blueberry field contains hundreds of unique plant varieties, which adds to their bold flavor and nutrient diversity.

Cultivated blueberries are a different story. Farmers plant them in rows, usually using a single cloned variety to ensure consistency. These grow on tall, tidy bushes (high bush) that are easier to harvest but lack the wild version’s genetic variety and resilience.

7. Antioxidant Superfood

Wild blueberries are considered an antioxidant superfood because they’re loaded with anthocyanins—the compounds that give them their deep purple-blue color. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

What gives wild blueberries extra oomph is their skin-to-pulp ratio. Since they’re smaller than cultivated berries, you get more skin per serving, and that’s where most of the antioxidants live.

They also contain a greater variety of these compounds thanks to their genetic diversity, making the health benefits more potent than their farmed counterparts.

6. 'Tis the Season for Blueberries

Timing matters when it comes to fresh blueberries. Cultivated blueberries have a longer growing season, typically running from late spring through early fall, depending on the region. That’s why you’ll find them fresh in stores for months. Plus, they get picked before peak ripeness, and might sit around for weeks before being shipped out.

Wild blueberries, on the other hand, have a short and intense season. It lasts just a few weeks in late July and early August. Because they’re so delicate and perishable, most wild blueberries are flash-frozen within 24 hours of harvest to lock in nutrients and flavor. That's how wild blueberries make it to stores nationwide throughout the year.

5. The Nutritional Value is Different

Wild blueberries have less sugar, more fiber, and more manganese per cup. Cultivated blueberries do have a bit more vitamin C, but overall, wild wins the nutrient-dense title. Plus, since the wild blueberries are smaller, there are more berries per cup.

4. Wild Blueberries Aren't Always Blue

Wild blueberries aren’t always that deep, Instagram-worthy blue you expect. Some look almost purple, reddish, or even have a dull gray-blue tint. That’s not a sign something’s wrong. It’s actually a result of weather and genetics.

Color intensity in wild blueberries is influenced by anthocyanin levels, which spike in response to environmental stress. Cooler nights and sunny days near harvest tend to boost those pigments, giving the berries a darker, richer hue.

A warmer, wetter season can result in lighter or more reddish berries. Because wild blueberry fields contain hundreds of naturally occurring varieties, you’ll see a wider range of colors even within the same patch.

3. The Maine State Fruit Is... Wild Blueberries!

Wild blueberries became the official state fruit of Maine in 1991. The Maine Legislature passed the bill recognizing them for both their cultural and economic importance.

Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the U.S., and these berries are native to the state’s rocky, acidic soil. They’ve been harvested for centuries, first by the Wabanaki people and later by settlers. By the late 20th century, wild blueberries weren’t just a crop; they were a symbol of Maine’s agricultural identity and a major export.

If you're interested in visiting the Wild Blueberry Capital of the US, maybe plan a trip during the Wild Blueberry Festival in Machias each summer, and don't miss Wild Blueberry Land in Columbia Falls.

2. Your Local Stores Likely Sell Wild Blueberries

Since 99% of all wild blueberries are frozen and shipped, you've likely been walking by them this whole time in the freezer section. You can search for the location nearest you. In fact, Trader Joe's also sells Dried Wild Blueberries.

If you've tasted these amazing little superfruits, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

1. Blueberries Aren't the Only Fruit with a Wild Side

Wild blueberries get a lot of love for their intense flavor and sky-high antioxidants, but they’re not the only fruit with a wild streak.

Wild strawberries are tiny, fragrant, and edible, often found growing along trails and forest edges. They pack more flavor than their supermarket cousins.

Wild raspberries and blackberries also grow in untamed brambles and are perfectly safe (and delicious) to eat.

Even wild apples (beyond crabapples) pop up in old orchards or woods, though they can be tart and unpredictable.

Not all wild fruits are fair game, though. Wild grapes and plums exist, but some varieties are bitter or even toxic if not properly identified.

Go Wild for Blueberries

If you're hiking in Maine, you might want to find a spot where you can pick your own wild blueberries along the way. That includes the ever-popular Acaida National Park. However, you'll be able to find them year-round in most neighborhood grocery stores.

Free Wild Blueberry Recipes

I put together these wild blueberry recipes to give you some ideas of how to get "berry" excited about the season.

Don't forget to check the full list of free recipes from the Legg Day Kitchen!