Picking Wild Blueberries a Summer Tradition

Start of Season Differs for Activity Enjoyed by Those of All Ages

Jun 27, 2009 John Seidenberg

The much loved summer pastime of picking your own wild blueberries is under way in much of North America. When and where the season begins depends on weather and climate.

Summertime picking of wild blueberries has begun in many regions of the United States. In Canada, the season usually starts by the middle of July. What appeals to so many is the ability to pick their own berries at farms and orchards open to the public. Children of even a very young age can also participate in this yearly activity.

The dark bluish blueberries that people seek out can be found as early as mid-May in areas like Florida. The farther north one goes, the later blueberries tend to be available, in some places going as late as September.

In many U.S. regions, the blueberry season runs from late May or early June through about mid-July, varying slightly from year to year. Elsewhere it usually begins in late June and can last until August. Availability is based on both weather conditions and location.

Different Starts to Blueberry Season

Kat Bergeron, writing in “The best of the best,” in the June 16, 2009 SunHerald.com of Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, said: “This is the height of blueberry picking season, and many South Mississippi farms let you pick them yourself.”

Reflecting the later season in New England, New Hampshire-based writer Nicole Eckert noted in the June 15, 2009 Manchester Vegetarian Examiner that the state’s blueberries are in season from mid-July through at least the first half August.

According to the June 11, 2009 Detroit Free Press, in its “2009 U-Pick Guide,” this year’s blueberry season starts around July 10 and will continue until mid-September.

Janet Collins, in “Pickers point way to bounty of fresh berries,” in the June 18, 2009 edition of Vancouver, British Columbia’s Straight.com, said the region’s approximate picking dates for blueberries are July 15 to August 15.

Picking Your Own Blueberries

At Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, a pick-your-own farm whose history dates back to 1950, blueberries are now being selected from rows of bushes until well into July and possibly early August. Customers there ride a trolley or wagon to the blueberry fields to avoid trampling over other growing areas.

Those experienced in doing their own picking at public farms usually know to head for the back bushes, which are more likely not to already have their berries depleted. To the extent possible, they try to spread out from other pickers before starting.

A good blueberry is plump, dark blue, with the skin not cracked. Berries that should be avoided are those that are red, purple-tinted, white, very small and hard, or feel slightly soft. A clump of ripe blueberries can be found by cupping them in your hand, gently rubbing them to loosen them, then rolling them off the stem, and letting them fall into the plastic bucket, plastic bag, or container used to collect them.

Some pickers like to use a more makeshift device for carrying blueberries. One example is a gallon plastic milk jug with half the top and sides cut off, leaving the handle on. A belt then can be slipped through the handle for carrying. Whatever kind of container is used, make sure the blueberries won't fall out of it.

Most of the bad berries should stay on the stem because they won’t come off as easily. Even if the berries seem scarce on the bushes, often good-sized berries can be found on the top of a bush or inside of it that other pickers have missed. Pickers too can move further down a row or go to another row in search of berries.

Check for Ripeness of Collected Berries

Despite pickers searching for the ripest blueberries, many farms recommend that they stop periodically and sort through the top layer of berries in their bucket. If they find any leaves, soft berries, or unripe berries, those items should be discarded. Another advisable step is to leave the bucket or container open to enable any moisture to escape.

If children come to pick berries, try to direct them to the lower branches more easily within their reach. They also can take the berries that others have picked and put them in the buckets.

A hat, sunglasses, and cool, comfortable clothing are recommended, as well as ample sunscreen (including on overcast days) and water.

Once the blueberries are brought home, they should be refrigerated without washing as soon as possible and covered while refrigerated. Wash just before serving or eating. The berries freeze well and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The copyright of the article Picking Wild Blueberries a Summer Tradition in Nutrition is owned by John Seidenberg. Permission to republish Picking Wild Blueberries a Summer Tradition in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Clump of blueberries	Riding tractor to pick berries in Maryland	Picking berries by hand
All ages involved in the process	Blueberries Not Yet Ripe for Picking