Vaccinium reticulatum is a species within the family of Ericaceae commonly referred to as Ohelo Berries. This particular species is also known by the common names Tree Ohelo and Ohelo Kau La’au. It is available at high elevations on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui. It grows well in subtropical, tropic, or Mediterranean climates and well-drained soils. It is a perennial plant that bears flowers from April to September and fruits in autumn.
| Ohelo Berries Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Ohelo Berries |
| Scientific Name: | Vaccinium reticulatum |
| Origin | Available at high elevations on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui. |
| Colors | Blue to purple to red to yellow to orange (Fruit) |
| Shapes | Berry, Diameter: 8-14 mm (0.31-0.55 inch) (Fruit) |
| Taste | Tart, sweet |
| Calories | 39 Kcal./cup |
| Major nutrients | Vitamin C (9.33%) Vitamin A (8.43%) Carbohydrate (7.37%) Vitamin B2 (3.85%) Vitamin B3 (2.36%) |
| Health benefits | Prevents scurvy, Treats common cold, Vasodilator activity, Lead toxicity, Treat cancer |
OHELO BERRIES FACTS
Ohelo berries are healthy for consumption. It is grown around volcanic places such as Hawaii and Maui. Ohelo Berry is also known as vaccinium reticulatum or hello berry. It has a sweet taste. Ohelo Berry has numerous small seeds in it. Ohelo berries can be red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue.
| Name | Ohelo Berries |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vaccinium reticulatum |
| Native | Available at high elevations on the Islands of Hawaii and Maui. |
| Common/English Name | Tree Ohelo, Ohelo Kau La’au |
| Plant Growth Habit | Small, shrub, evergreen |
| Growing Climate | Subtropical, tropic or Mediterranean |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Plant Size | Height: 0.1-1.3 m (0.33-4.27 ft.) |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
| Leaf | Evergreen, arranged spirally, oval, leathery, red, green; Length: 1-3 cm (0.39-1.18 inch) |
| Flowering Season | April-September |
| Flower | Bell-shaped, yellow to red, pink; Length: 8-12 mm (0.31-0.47 inch) |
| Fruit shape & size | Berry, Diameter: 8-14 mm (0.31-0.55 inch) |
| Fruit color | Blue to purple to red to yellow to orange |
| Flavor | Insipid, tangy to sweet |
| Fruit Taste | Tart, sweet |
| Seed | Small, numerous, flat |
| Fruit Season | Autumn |
| Major Nutritions | Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 8.4 mg (9.33%) Vitamin A, RAE 59 µg (8.43%) Carbohydrate 9.58 g (7.37%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.05 mg (3.85%) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.378 mg (2.36%) Phosphorus, P 14 mg (2.00%) Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.024 mg (2.00%) Magnesium, Mg 8 mg (1.90%) Iron, Fe 0.13 mg (1.63%) Potassium, K 53 mg (1.13%) |
| Health Benefits |
|
| Calories in 1cup (140 gm) | 39 Kcal. |
| Traditional uses |
|
| Precautions |
|
| How to Eat |
|
Ohelo Berries Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Vaccinium reticulatum
| Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta (Vascular plants) |
| Division | Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons) |
| Subclass | Dilleniidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae (Heath family) |
| Genus | Vaccinium L. (Blueberry) |
| Species | Vaccinium reticulatum Sm. (Ohelo ‘ai) |
| Synonyms |
|
Plant
Vaccinium reticulatum is the small and evergreen shrub growing upto 0.1-1.3 m (0.33-4.27 ft.) in maximum height. Evergreen leaves are spirally arranged, oval, leathery, red, green, and 1-3 cm (0.39-1.18 inch) long. The bell-shaped flowers are yellow to red, pink, and 8-12 mm (0.31-0.47 inch) long. The flower turns into a fruit which color ranges from blue to purple to red to yellow and orange. Fruit is a berry of 8-14 mm (0.31-0.55 inch) as diameter. It possesses small, numerous, and flat seeds. The fruit has an insipid, tangy to sweet flavor and tart or sweet taste.
Nutritional value
The serving size of one cup (140 g) provides 129.22 g of moisture, 39 calories, 0.53 g of protein, 0.36 g of ash and 9.58 of carbohydrate. It grants 8.4 mg of vitamin C, 59 µg of Vitamin A, 0.05 mg of Vitamin B2, 0.378 mg of Vitamin B3, 14 mg of Phosphorus, 0.024 mg of Vitamin B1, 8 mg of Magnesium, 0.13 mg of Iron, 53 mg of Potassium, 0.53 g of protein and 10 mg of Calcium.
Nutritional value of Oheloberries, raw
Calories 39 Kcal. Calories from Fat 2.79 Kcal.
| Proximity | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 129.22 g | N/D |
| Energy | 39 Kcal | N/D |
| Energy | 164 kJ | N/D |
| Protein | 0.53 g | 1.06% |
| Total Fat (lipid) | 0.31 g | 0.89% |
| Ash | 0.36 g | N/D |
| Carbohydrate | 9.58 g | 7.37% |
| Minerals | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 10 mg | 1.00% |
| Iron, Fe | 0.13 mg | 1.63% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8 mg | 1.90% |
| Phosphorus, P | 14 mg | 2.00% |
| Potassium, K | 53 mg | 1.13% |
| Sodium, Na | 1 mg | 0.07% |
| Vitamins | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Water-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 0.024 mg | 2.00% |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.05 mg | 3.85% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.378 mg | 2.36% |
| Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) | 8.4 mg | 9.33% |
| Fat-soluble Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A, RAE | 59 µg | 8.43% |
| Vitamin A, IU | 1162 IU | N/D |
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/
Health Benefits of Ohelo berries
Ohelo berries have an adequate amount of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins which help to maintain health. Some of the benefits are described below:
- Prevents scurvy
The deficiency of Vitamin C is the cause of scurvy. The symptoms occur due to weak bones, connective tissues, and blood vessels that involve collagen. Vitamin C is considered a strong antioxidant that is essential for collagen production.
- Treats common cold
Vitamin C stimulates the immune power which helps to prevent coughs and colds. It enhances iron absorption and enhances the body to counteract the infection. It helps to defend the body against viruses.
- Vasodilator activity
Vitamin C helps to dilate the blood vessels in the health conditions such as high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and angina pectoris. The results show that Vitamin C supplements help to enhance the dilation of blood vessels and protect cardiovascular health.
- Lead toxicity
Lead toxicity is a health ailment that occurs in the children of urban areas. Those children who are exposed to lead result in abnormal growth and development. They experience learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and have low IQ. In adults, it increases blood pressure and harms kidneys. The supplements of Vitamin C can lower the level of blood lead.
- Treat cancer
The high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables helps to lower the chances of cancer. The studies show that a high intake of vitamin C helps to reduce the lungs, vocal cords, mouth, colon, throat, rectum, stomach, and esophagus cancer.
- Eye health
Vitamin A helps to enhance vision. It helps the eyes to adjust in the light changes, moist eyes and promotes night vision. It prevents dry eyes and improves weak eyes. It secures a retina and prevents night blindness by raising the eye’s adaptability to both darkness and bright light. It also reduces the chances of macular degeneration and cataracts which are related to aging. It is helpful for people with glaucoma.
- Skin health
Vitamin A helps to eliminate toxins and free radicals which harm the skin. It provides soft and supple skin by promoting the retention of moisture and prevents keratinization, dryness, and skin ailments such as psoriasis.
- Treat measles
Measles is caused due to insufficient Vitamin A in the body. The intake of foods with high vitamins helps to provide relief from diarrhea, fever caused due to measles and supports the healing process.
- Enhance immunity
Vitamin A promotes the immune power to counteract infections by raising the responses of lymphocytic against antigens. It maintains the moisture in the mucus membranes which ensures immunity and promotes white blood cells activity. It prevents germs and counteracts infections. It ensures double core protection.
- Treat urinary stones
Vitamin A helps to ensure muscle growth in teens and children. It ensures healthy bones and retains its shape. It prevents the development of muscular dystrophy.
Traditional uses
- It helps to treat stomach pains.
- The fruit, root, coconut, and white sugarcane are mashed. This mixture is strained with Ohelo berries which are drunk once in the morning and evening.
- Medicinally the plant is mixed with another plant which helps to treat abdominal pain.
- The intake of Ohelo berries juice helps to enhance the immune power in the body.
- It also promotes the digestion of food.
How to Eat
- Ohelo is consumed raw but is tart in taste.
- They are cooked into jellies, jams, spreads, and pies.
- The fruits are used as an appetizer.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315720/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3419346/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11795/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5291486/
- https://fruits.edpsciences.org/articles/fruits/abs/2012/05/fruits120033/fruits120033.html
- http://www.fao.org/3/cb2395en/CB2395EN.pdf
- https://www.fao.org/in-action/inpho/crop-compendium/fruits-vegetables/en/
- https://www.fao.org/3/cb2395en/online/src/html/fruit-and-vegetables.html
- http://www.fao.org/3/cb2395en/CB2395EN.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_food_plants_native_to_the_Americas
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_culinary_fruits
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fruit-and-vegetables
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/fruits_vegetables.html
- https://www.botanical-online.com/en/botany/fruits-types-characteristics
- https://www.fda.gov/food/laboratory-methods-food/mpm-v-9-fruits-and-fruit-products-v-51-v-78
- https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/nutrition-information-raw-fruits-vegetables-and-fish
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/mcn.12208
- http://news.discovery.com/earth/
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/
- https://www.science.org/
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/fruit-vegetable
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/fruits
- https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/traveler/intl-travel/fruits-vegetables/fruits-vegetables
- https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide
- https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Highlights/2015/FruitsNutsBerries_AgCensusHighlights.pdf
- https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/food/nuts.shtml
- https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/zs25x846c/sf269213r/6t054c23t/ncit0521.pdf
- https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/farm-to-school-toolkit/
- https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-01/DGA2000.pdf
- https://www.farmers.gov/archived/cfap2/specialty
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/
- https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/
- https://botany.org/home/careers-jobs/careers-in-botany/what-is-botany.html
- https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/category/fruits
- http://www.hear.org/pier/species/
- https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?
- http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/
- https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?
- https://eol.org/pages/
- http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Vaccinium+reticulatum
- http://www.thecherryshare.com/food/reasons-to-eat-ohelo-berries-561131
- http://mauimagazine.net/hawaiian-ohelo-berries/
- http://www.plantpono.org/noninv-plant.php?id=1044
- http://wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/646/vaccinium-reticulatum-ohelo-ai/
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vitamins/health-benefits-of-vitamin-c-or-ascorbic-acid.html
- https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vitamins/health-benefits-of-vitamin-a-or-retinol.html
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-Consumer/
