Why do blueberries sometimes have a flavor reminiscent of pine? Is the blueberry plant in any way related to the pine tree?
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Mrs.Dufresne rediscovers Alana Davis
ANSWERS: 2
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Blueberries like acid soil. In New Jersey, they are often commercially grown in areas of extensive pine growth. Pine needles are sometimes used for mulch. This is a guess--I'm not sure if this is the correct scientific answer.
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Flavours and scents are caused by complex molecules that can be manufactured in plant cells. Many plants completely unrelated to each other, can produce similar or identical molecules. Look at lemongrass, Lemons, Lemon Thyme, etc (all unrelated plants) . I would Postulate that the particular blueberries you refer too must either be producing the Pine tasting/smelling molecule themselves (a variety or mutation of the blueberry plants), or it is introduced, by some other plant or fungus, Including Pine varieties. It could be a particular fungus on some blueberries that introduce a pine Flavour, for example.
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