Monin Blueberry Syrup
Monin Blueberry Syrup is just one of a delicious range of flavours, used by coffee shops such as Costa Coffee and enjoyed across the country and further afield. ABV = 0.46%
The bottles come in a 70cl Glass Bottle, and a 1l Plastic bottle variation which is ideal for bars, cafes and coffee shops, but can also be used at home.
Background
While its reputation as a superfood plays a part, the main reason behind the blueberrys universal popularity is simple: its delicious flavour. It has a mild yet enticing sweetness, enhanced by a hint of tangy tartness. These qualities mean blueberries are a fashionable fixture in many drinks and desserts. From smoothies to muffins, this small fruit can create a big impact and its taste and influence has been perfectly captured with this Monin Blueberry Syrup.
The History
Recognised as one of North Americas only native fruit species, blueberries have had a colourful past which dates back to pre-colonial times. Before European colonists arrived, Native Americans gathered and made use of the small fruit for centuries. They considered blueberries to be sacred, believing the Great Spirit sent them to relieve hunger during a famine.
The blueberry was utilised in various ways by the Native Americans. It was eaten while fresh, and also dried in order to preserve it for the winter. The berries would also be mixed with savoury and sweet dishes, the latter of which included a simple pudding called Sautauthig that featured water, cornmeal and honey. Aside from its use as a culinary ingredient, cough syrup was made from the fruits juice, and they even dyed baskets and cloth with the juice.
With that said, the blueberries used by Native Americans were a different variety to the kind consumed today. Back then, it was a wild or low bush variety of blueberry that was cultivated. Whereas now, we enjoy a domesticated, high bush type of the fruit. The result of this change was a more vibrant, flavoursome blueberry.
Yet the switch to high bush blueberries only began in the early 20th century. Elizabeth White, who benefitted from a background in farming, set out to develop a thriving business for cultivated blueberries. She teamed up with Frederick Coville, a USDA botanist, to invent the most desirable variety of blueberry. This involved identifying the most prosperous wild plants and crossbreeding the bushes. It took five years of work until, in 1916, they sold their first commercial blueberry crop. Ultimately, this laid the groundwork for the United States being the largest blueberry cultivators in the world.
Today, blueberries are particularly trendy due to their proven health benefits. High in nutrients despite being low in calories, the fruit can help with everything from blood pressure to improving brain functionality. The blueberry craze has also spread to the UK and doesnt look to be slowing down anytime soon. In 2018 alone, supermarket giants Asda noted blueberries had a massive 53% increase in sales.
