By Lorri Schreiber
Blueberries are a popular summer berry in Michigan. We grow so many that we are in the top fives states. Delicious to eat on their own, they can also be enjoyed in a myriad of different ways with popular choices being on waffles, pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal and salads. They can also be blended into a smoothie, added into baked goods or turned into syrup, jam or jelly.
In Michigan, there are more than 30 varieties of blueberries growing on more than 14,000 acres on roughly 500 farms. The most significant varieties include Jersey, Rubel, Bluecrop, Elliott, Duke and Bluejay, with Jersey and Rubel being the longtime leaders. Producing more than 70,000 pounds, Michigan blueberries contribute more than $130 million to the state’s economy. Most are in the South Haven region with roughly 300 blueberry farms located with a 50-mile radius, garnering it the most concentrated blueberry growers in the world.
The good news is… not only do these little bursts of flavor taste good, they’re good for you, too! They’re jam-packed with vitamins and minerals and have more antioxidants than any other fruit. They are great for you overall health by protecting against chronic disease, heart disease and cancer; improving mental health; maintaining healthy skin and bones; lowering blood pressure and cholesterol; enhance digestion and managing diabetes.
It’s time to go get some fresh blueberries as harvest has started for some farms and on the way for others. Blueberry season typically starts in July and runs through September, sometimes longer.
There’s nothing like blueberries fresh from the farm and, even better, when you pick them yourself. Grab a friend or significant other or take the kiddos to have farm fun!
Also, be sure to call ahead as farmer can recommend the best time to visit, so that you’ll get the ripest, most flavorful berries. It’s always great to know the best way to harvest fruit when you’re picking them yourself. Here’s a video that explains it all:
https://www.michiganfarmfun.
And, if you want to have some berry fun, join some of the fun blueberry activities on the farms or celebrate the sweet little berry at a festival:
MICHIGAN BLUEBERRY FESTIVALS 2024
July 26 Blueberry Festival, Marquette
August 8-11: National Blueberry Festival, South Haven
August 11-18 Montrose Blueberry Fest, Montrose
August 16-18 Wild Blueberry Fest, Paradise
Aug 30-Sept 2 Blueberry Festival, Plymouth