áfonya

Áfonya, a name widely used in Hungarian for the edible berries of several Vaccinium species, most notably Vaccinium myrtillus, is commonly referred to in English as bilberry. It is a low-growing shrub in the heath family native to the boreal and temperate forests of Europe, Asia, and North America. The plant forms a tangled, creeping habit with small, oval leaves. The fruit is a small, dark blue to purple berry with a pale, bloom-like coating, similar in size to a blueberry.

Habitat and ecology: Bilberries grow best in acidic, well-drained soils of coniferous and mixed woodlands, peat moors, and hillside heath. Flowers are pollinated mainly by insects, and fruiting occurs in mid to late summer, depending on climate. Bilberry is commonly foraged from the wild, though it is also cultivated on a limited scale in some regions with acidic soils.

Uses and nutrition: The berries are eaten fresh or processed into jams, syrups, juices, and desserts. They are rich in anthocyanins and other phenolics, contributing antioxidant properties. They provide vitamin C and K, manganese, and dietary fiber, with a modest calorie content. In traditional folk medicine, bilberries have been used to support vision and gastrointestinal health, though evidence varies.

Harvesting and storage: Bilberries have a relatively short shelf life; they are best consumed soon after harvest or stored refrigerated. They can be frozen or dried for longer storage.

Taxonomy notes: The Hungarian term áfonya covers bilberry and related Vaccinium species; the fruit is similar to, but distinct from, the cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum).