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| Fresh blueberries at Hafner's farm in Lysander. Photo courtesy of Hafner's |
The New York State Berry Growers Association estimates there are more blueberry plantings in New York than ever before as a result of several factors.
From the demonstrated health benefits of eating blueberries and increased consumer demand for locally grown berries to New York’s climate, excellent soils, and ample water supplies, the Growers Association is seeing more people making the long-term investment necessary to bring a planting of blueberries into production.
“Blueberry
season may be a short season but it is a very productive season and I
couldn’t be happier for our growers who continue to rank well in
production year after year,” said Agriculture Commissioner
Richard Ball. “I encourage all New Yorkers to support their growers this season
which is as easy as stopping by your local farmers’ market or
pick-your-own farm.”
New
York growers plant over 40 different varieties of blueberries across
the state to provide the delicious fruit for New York consumers for as
long a period as possible. From “Duke” and "Patriot”
varieties that can be harvested in early July to “Bonus” and “Elliott”
that can be harvested into the middle of September, New York consumers
can find local blueberries for about ten weeks.
Peak season is
late-July into early August.
Blueberry
bushes take about eight years to become fully productive. In 2014, 700
acres of blueberries were harvested across the state. While
about the same acreage is expected to be
harvested in 2015, more of that acreage should be approaching full
production, resulting in more supply to New York consumers.
“Many New York State blueberry growers have a bountiful crop this year," said Dale-Ila
Riggs, president of the New York State Berry Growers Association. "The summer weather and frequent rains
have made the berries plump and sweet."
New
York State was the 11th largest blueberry producer in the nation in
2014. Growers harvested 1.6 million pounds of blueberries last year and
produced a crop worth $2.8 million.
New
York state grown blueberries are now available at select grocery
stores, farm stands, farmers’ markets and pick-your own farms across the
state. A map of farmers’ markets across New York
State, many of which offer fresh, local blueberries, can be found here
or by county here.
Blueberries
are one of the easiest fruits to prepare and serve for consumers. When
preparing blueberries there is no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting
involved. Blueberries can be eaten fresh
out of hand and go well with other New York produced fruits in a fruit
salad or with New York yogurt.
They are also making an appearance in
New York’s beverage industry—now used in products such as Blueberry Wine
made at Blue Sky Farm and Winery in
Delaware County
and Nine Pin Ciderworks’ Blueberry cider made with blueberries harvested at Indian Ladder Farms in Albany County.
Blueberries are not only delicious but they provide a variety of health benefits. The fruit is reported to have one of the
highest antioxidant contents among all fruits and vegetables. They are also a
good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese, and have been found to
maintain healthy bones, lower blood pressure and manage diabetes.
