BAR HARBOR, Maine (June 29, 2000) -- Martha Stewart, America's premier lifestyle expert, is featuring Maine Wild Blueberries in her current summer issue of Living magazine. The thirteen-page spread focuses on the history and heritage of the berry as well as the emerging health story. The combined July/August issue will be available on newsstands across the country throughout the summer.

Martha Stewart's organization worked closely with the Wild Blueberry Association of North America (WBANA) on story development. WBANA has had a relationship with Martha Stewart for a number of years, having previously assisted in the development of a half-hour morning show which aired nationally on ABC in July 1999.

"This issue is an incredible tribute to Wild Blueberries and the State of Maine," said John Sauvé, Executive Director of WBANA. "Not only does the story highlight many of the families involved in harvesting Maine's Wild Blueberries for generations, but delves into what makes Maine's Official State Berry - The Wild Blueberry - so unique. It's something we call 'The Wild Advantage.'"

According to Sauvé, Wild Blueberries are different from their cultivated cousins in many ways. They have a more distinct sweet-tart taste, are smaller in size delivering more berries per pound, perform superbly in terms of holding their shape, texture and deep blue color, and have something called the 'Wild Mystique' - a northern, native and naturally appealing wild imagery. Wild Blueberries are also becoming well known for their health properties. Ranked by the USDA as #1 in antioxidant activity when compared with 40 other commercially available fruits and vegetables, blueberries are an important part of a healthy diet.

According to Sauvé, the potential dietary contribution of the intense blue and red pigments found in Wild Blueberries has scientists excited. In fact, recent discoveries have attributed antioxidant and anti-aging benefits to anthocyanins and other natural compounds (phytochemicals) found in Wild Blueberries. Anthocyanins (from two Greek words meaning "plant" and "blue") are responsible for the Wild Blueberry's blue color.

"As consumers become more educated about the value of natural antioxidants in their diet and their potential anti-aging benefits, we expect more people will want to get their Daily Dose of Blue(tm) from the best-tasting blueberries -- Wild Blueberries."

Wild Blueberries, which are commercially harvested only in Maine and Eastern Canada, are smaller in size and more extraordinary in taste than their cultivated cousins. Frozen Wild Blueberries can be found year-round in supermarkets across the United States and Eastern Canada for convenient at-home use.

Maine is the #1 blueberry producer (wild or cultivated) in the world, averaging 65 million pounds per year. Additionally, the Maine harvest accounts for virtually all of the Wild Blueberries commercially grown in the United States.

WBANA is an international trade association of growers and processors of Wild Blueberries from Maine and Canada, responsible for the promotion of Wild Blueberries worldwide.