Transforming blueberries into a nexus of sustainability and health benefits: A review

Blueberries, widely recognized for their high nutritional value and health benefits, have emerged as a versatile fruit for the sustainable production of value-added products. This review explores innovative applications of blueberries, highlighting their potential in sectors such as food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The fruit's abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and bioactive compounds (including; Anthocyanins, flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, manganese) makes it a highly appealing raw material for developing functional foods, natural dyes, and medicinal products. Additionally, blueberry waste, including peels and seeds, is increasingly being utilized for bioactive extraction, further contributing to sustainability. This review also discusses various health benefits of blueberries, ranging from anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and cardiovascular health. Moreover, novel techniques for enhancing the preservation and processing of blueberries are examined, showcasing the potential to reduce waste and extend shelf life. Sustainable blueberry cultivation is most effectively achieved through organic farming based on agroecological principles (OA), which resulted in the highest yield and lowest production costs. Compared to conventional orchards (CO), OA had significantly lower environmental impacts, including reduced global warming, acidification, and freshwater eutrophication. The review emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainable practices in the cultivation and processing of blueberries to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products.