Whortleberry Facts

Whortleberry is the local Somerset name for the wild bilberry that grows on Exmoor. This humble fruit goes by many different names, such as; bilberry; blueberry; heidelberry; huckleberry; hurtleberry & wimberry to mention but a few.

Locally they are known as 'Worts' or 'Urts'.

The whortleberry [myrtillus vaccinium], acquired its name according to a Greek legend. Myrtillus, son of Hermes paid the penalty of double-dealing by being thrown into the sea. His body was washed ashore and Hermes changed it into a whortleberry bush in memory of the unlucky youth.

Did you know?

Whortleberries are rich in vitamins C and D.

Used widely in Europe for the treatment of a variety of ocular disorders.

Believed by some European surgeons to enhance the healing of wounds after surgery.

Used by herbalists to treat & prevent bruising, varicose veins and a variety of vascular disorders.

In 1997, bilberry products were among the top 20 for herb sales in the US.

During World War II, the berries became popular among Royal Air Force pilots, who claimed eating Whortleberry jam prior to night bombing raids improved their vision.