Delicious and versatile in the kitchen, blueberries are a great summer fruit worth growing, says Gardening Which?

Pruned in winter for flowering in April, the fruit ripens through the summer and can be picked for your tasting pleasure from July to September, according to the consumer watchdog.

Planting at least two varieties ensures cross-pollination, and the best yields, Gardening Which? added.

Bluecrop is a reliable, easy to find variety; Herbert and Patriot are recommended as tops for flavour and Sunshine Blue makes a particularly attractive shrub with blue-green leaves that stay on the plant all winter.

Blueberries contain antioxidants which are claimed to protect against food poisoning, heart disease and signs of ageing.

Other foods recognised with 'super' qualities include pomegranates, oily fish, green tea, avocado, nuts and seeds, bananas, dark chocolate, broccoli and red wine.

Originating from eastern North America, the Native Americans have long been aware of their dietary and health values - they would often dry or smoke the blueberries to preserve their goodness in winter. It took until the 1970's to establish British plantings.

Julia Boulton, editor of Gardening Which?, said: "Blueberries are a great fruit and easy to cultivate in the UK.

"Gardeners can enjoy their sweet scent and attractive flower, as well as benefit from their delicious taste and healthy properties."