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The largest used equipment inventory in the Mid-Atlantic is only a click away. Visit our website by clicking here or visit us at one of our 11 locations throughout MD, DE, VA and PA.
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Jersey Fresh blueberries are now in season
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The largest used equipment inventory in the Mid-Atlantic is only a click away. Visit our website by clicking here or visit us at one of our 11 locations throughout MD, DE, VA and PA.
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7.15.2007
TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Agriculture on July 2 announced Jersey Fresh blueberries — New Jersey’s official state fruit — are in season and available at local farm markets and supermarkets.
The blueberry harvesting began around June 15. Warm weather has hastened the ripening and the fruit is expected to be available in good quantities with excellent quality.
Blueberries are usually available beginning in mid-June, peaking in July and ending in early-August.
“With recent studies showing the health benefits of blueberries, there has been great demand for New Jersey’s state fruit in both our state, the Northeast and Canada,” said New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus. “They are packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and folate, but most people love to eat blueberries because they taste great and are delicious in cobblers, pancakes and even wine.”
The evidence is mounting as to the health benefits of blueberries.
USDA researchers found that blueberries ranked first in antioxidant activity in comparison to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products of metabolism called “free radicals” that are associated with cancer and other age related diseases.
The state ranks second in the country in blueberry production. In 2006, a total of 52 million pounds of blueberries were produced on 7,600 acres. The value of the utilized production was $83.7 million.
Atlantic County led the state with 6,100 acres harvested, with Burlington County farmers harvesting 1,200 acres.
Blueberries also are a part of the state’s agritourism industry, with pick-your-own farms in 10 counties throughout the state.
To find a pick-your-own blueberry farm or markets carrying Jersey Fresh blueberries, visit the Jersey Fresh Web site at www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov or www.visitnjfarms.org.
The NJDA offered these tips for selecting blueberries:
• Look for blueberries that are plump and fresh looking;
• Pay particular attention to their color; they should be blue, black, bluish-black or purple;
• Blueberries have a gray, waxy deposit on the skin called bloom. The bloom is a protective coating, so do not wash blueberries until ready to use;
• Freeze blueberries on a cookie sheet and then place into a freezer storage bag;
• Blueberries spoil quickly if left at room temperature, but can be stored in the refrigerator for three days;
• Avoid containers that have juice stains on them, a sign the berries are crushed;
• Wrinkled fruit means they have been stored too long; while soft, watery fruit means the berries are overripe.