Myrtille vs. bleuet
The French language has different regional words for 'blueberry': 'myrtille' and 'bleuet'. These two terms are not always interchangeable and may refer to specific varieties of blueberries within different contexts in the Francophone world.
Myrtille
The word 'myrtille' is commonly used in France to refer to the European blueberry, also known as the bilberry. It usually refers to the wild variety of blueberries that are smaller and darker.
J'ai cueilli des myrtilles dans les bois.
(I picked blueberries in the woods.)
La tarte aux myrtilles est délicieuse.
(The blueberry pie is delicious.)
Les myrtilles sont riches en antioxydants.
(Blueberries are rich in antioxidants.)
Bleuet
In Canada, particularly in Quebec, 'bleuet' refers to the highbush blueberry, which is larger and cultivated commercially. This term can also refer more generally to blueberries in Canadian French.
Les bleuets sont abondants au Québec en été.
(Blueberries are plentiful in Quebec during summer.)
La confiture de bleuets est un régal.
(Blueberry jam is a treat.)
Nous sommes allés cueillir des bleuets dans une ferme.
(We went to pick blueberries on a farm.)
Summary
In summary, 'myrtille' typically refers to wild, European blueberries and is used more frequently in France, whereas 'bleuet' points to the larger cultivated variety common in North America, especially in Canadian French. These terms highlight cultural and regional variances within the French-speaking world.