Blueberries

Blueberries

History

History

Blueberries have been present for centuries. They were gathered by Native Americans from bogs and forests. According to the Northeast Native American tribes, they believed the calyx, the blossom end of each berry forms the shape of a perfect five-pointed star; tribe elders would tell of how the Great Spirit sent "star berries" to relieve children's hunger during famine.

Source: Blueberry.org

Blueberries Farmers

Naturipe Berry Growers

Naturipe Farms is a grower and marketer of delicious, wholesome foods that contribute to a healthy lifestyle for you and your family. Their family of growers is located in growing areas throughout the Western Hemisphere to be able to provide a variety of nutritious produce year round.

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Season, Ripeness and Storage

State Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Arizona            
California            
In-Season  

Season

Blueberries are harvested from mid-April to early October. Peak harvest is in July.

Ripeness

Blueberries are ripe when they are purchased. They do not continued to ripen after harvest. Avoid buying watery, moldy, or soft blueberries. The fruit is past its prime if the containers are stained or leaking.

Storage

Store blueberries in the refrigerator. Keep them unwashed, as they deteriorate quickly when wet. Fresh picked blueberries should last up to two weeks. Blueberries perish quickly, so use them as soon as possible.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Amount Per Serving  
Calories: 42  
  % Daily Value*
Total Fat: 0.24g 0%
Cholesterol: 0mg 0%
Sodium: 1mg 0.04%
Total Carbohydrate: 10.72g 3.57%
     Dietary Fiber: 1.8 0% 
     Sugars: 7.37g  
Protein: 0.55g  
Vitamin A 0.8% Vitamin C 12%
Calcium 0.4% Iron 1.17%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Source: USDA National Nutrient Database
  • Blueberries are a good source of minerals, phenolics, vitamins, dietary fiber, and flavonoids.

  • Blueberries are low in sodium and fat.

  • Blueberries are known to have high antioxidant activity.

  • Diets with blueberry extract improved short-term memory in aging rats. It also reversed some loss of balance and coordination.

    Source:Blueberry.org

    Source:USDA Agricultural Research Service

    Fun Facts

  • Blueberries are one of the only truly blue foods.

  • North America produces the most blueberries in the world, currently accounting for nearly 90% of world production.

  • National blueberry month is in July, during peak harvest.

    Sources:UC Small Farm Center, Blueberry.org

    Helpful Links

  • Blueberry.org
  • UC Small Farm Center
  • Valley Farmers Turn to Blueberries, from the Fresno Bee
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