Blueberries’ Actual Color

While blueberries are commonly referred to as “blue,” their actual color is a deep purple. Their perceived blue hue is due to both the reflective properties of their skin and our visual perception of color. 

Anthocyanins

Blueberries contain high levels of pigments called anthocyanins, which are indeed responsible for their color. Anthocyanins can appear in shades of red, purple, and blue depending on the pH level of their environment (acidic environments tend to produce more red hues, neutral to alkaline environments lean toward blue).

1. Color Perception and Light Absorption: These pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light, particularly in the red, orange, and yellow parts of the spectrum, while reflecting blue and purple wavelengths. The reflected light in the blue and purple range is what reaches our eyes, influencing how we perceive the berry’s color.

2. Appearance of Blue: The blue color of blueberries is also influenced by the berry’s slightly waxy coating, called a "bloom," which further reflects light and enhances the blue hue. Without this bloom, blueberries would appear more purple than blue.

Colors of Ripeness

The color of a blueberry can also vary depending on its ripeness and the amount of sunlight it receives. The unripe berry may appear green, while under ripe berries can take on a reddish hue.

Colorful Superfood

Blueberries’ deep rich purple color also represents high antioxidant levels, which translates to health benefits for lowering blood pressure, reducing heart disease, preventing neurological diseases, and slowing cancer. At Chelan Ranch Organics, we offer blueberries three ways – frozen, freeze-dried, and fresh when in season. As a result, we stay healthy by including this colorful superfood in our diets daily. Remember, while blueberries may appear blue to our eyes, they are purple.