Berry Good Eats!
Berry Good Eats!
Blueberries certainly are berry good eats and they are in season now on our farm. There are generally two types of blueberry bushes: the first being wild (commercially known as lowbush) blueberries and cultivated (commercially known as highbush) blueberries. We have seven plus acres of the highbush blueberry variety on our farm. Highbush blueberries have… Read More »
Blueberries certainly are berry good eats and they are in season now on our farm. There are generally two types of blueberry bushes: the first being wild (commercially known as lowbush) blueberries and cultivated (commercially known as highbush) blueberries. We have seven plus acres of the highbush blueberry variety on our farm.
Highbush blueberries have shallow root systems and benefit from fertilization and mulch. You may notice a blue net around our bushes in
the field when visiting our farm. This netting prevents the birds from eating and or damaging all of our berries. We roll out the netting after the shrubs have bloomed to not disturb the flowers which would then affect the crop production. Berries thrive with full sunlight all day long and a critical time for water is when the berries are expanding before ripening. Our use of trickle irrigation provides a slow drip of water right where it is needed, the roots, and helps with our sustainable water and soil conservation efforts. Blueberry bushes prefer acidic, well drained soil so we work deliberately to add ample composted material to ensure ideal growing conditions and a healthy crop. Another thing you will notice when you visit our farm is that our blueberry bushes are growing in raised beds which promotes drainage and aeration another part of our sustainable farming practices to grow the healthiest produce.
The stages of blueberry maturation begin as immature green berries that change to a green-pink color, then to a blue-pink color, before finally moving into a deeper blue indicating they are fully ripe. Check out this video on how to pick the perfect blueberry.
Blueberries are touted to have many health benefits and have been certified as heart healthy by the American Heart Association in 2019. According to Medical News Today, blueberries may help protect against heart disease by keeping blood sugar at healthy levels, lowering blood pressure, and by reducing cholesterol in the blood with its fiber content. (MedicalNewsToday.com) Blueberries are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins. According to Medical News Today, regular consumption of anthocyanins may reduce the risk of heart attacks in young and middle aged women. (MedicalNewsToday.com)
Read more about blueberries here on our “berry best blog” by clicking here.
Blueberry Fun Facts:
- A single blueberry bush is said to be able to produce approximately 6,000 blueberries per year! Wow!
![Alstede Farms Patriotic Blueberry Tart]()
- Ginger n’ Spice Bubbling Blueberry Pie was voted the best blueberry pie by the Blueberry Council in the America’s Best Blueberry Pie contest. This pie is a favorite for it’s blueberry flavor with hints of ginger, lemon & spices.
- The blueberry was domesticated by NJ native, Elizabeth Coleman White, read all about it here.
- Looking for a fun recipe to try eating blueberries in season? Try this Patriotic Blueberry Tart today! Featuring healthy blueberries and yummy raspberries, this recipe not only tastes great, it also makes for a festive decoration!
Best wishes from our farm kitchen to yours! XO
