2024 Southwestern Missouri Blueberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
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Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Southwestern Missouri in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blueberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blueberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive
family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best
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guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.
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Barry County
G's Orchard - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blueberries, Fresh eggs, restrooms 2096 Farm Road 1130, Verona, MO 65769. Phone: 417-669-4583. Email: gsorchard@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm, Saturday 8 am to 1 pm; approximately mid June through mid July. Directions: Three miles East of Monett to Z Highway. Turn right on Z Highway 2 miles to Farm Road 1130. South \(right\) 14 mile. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 457227G's Orchard . Three miles East of Monett to Z Highway. Turn right on Z Highway 2 miles to Farm Road 1130. South (right) 1/4 mile. blueberries the middle of June (u-pick and picked), we offer all the traditional seasonal favorite fruits and a few vegetables including peaches, cantaloupe, tomatoes, peppers, apples and more. UPDATE for 2021: Due to February's deep freeze (15 below recorded here), there won't be any peaches .(UPDATED: June 01, 2020) Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2010: "My family and I definitely recommend G's Orchard in Barry County, Mo. The staff is friendly and the fruit is awesome! The kids love it too! The farm is clean and the rows are always mowed down. Never have gotten a chigger or tick at all. We drive from Springfield, Mo every year to get the blackberries and blueberries. Thank you for having this site. We appreciate all the work you do."
Barton County
Braker Berry Farm - blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and melons, Farmstand 941 SW 90th Lane, Oronogo, MO 64855. Phone: 417-842-3609. Open: Please call ahead for berry pick-your-own hours. Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: 417-214-0807. We started in 2006 by planting blueberries. We gradually added blackberries and other vegetables to sell with the blueberries. We have several high tunnels for extending the seasons that we can grow produce. We have pick-your-own berries in the Summer, and flowers (hanging baskets & mums) in the Spring and Fall. We sell produce year-round at farmers' markets and off the farm. Everything we grow is Non-GMO, and we also offer some of our vegetables as "chemical-free". Fruits (pick-your-own or pre-picked): Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and melons. We sell atthe farm, at the Webb City Farmers' Market & Greater Springfield Farmers' Market (at Battlefield Mall in Springfield, MO). From Junction of 126 Hwy and 43 Hwy, go 2 miles south on 43, 1 mile east on SW 90th Rd, 1/2 mile south on SW 90th Lane. From Joplin Regional Airport (Stone's Corner), go 16.5 miles N on Hwy 43, east 1 mile on SW 90th Rd, 1/2 mile south on SW 90th Lane.
Cedar County
Kenney Family Farms - blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), gooseberries, onions, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations 9505 South 1471 Road, Stockton, MO 65785. Phone: 417-276-3691. Email: peggykclerk@yahoo.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: 3and a half miles north of Stockton Square, left on 1471 Road, patch is quarter of mile down 1471 Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . . Strawberries: May 9 to May 30. We only sale what we grow. We are not certified organic but follow organic like procedures. (ADDED: April 23, 2015)
Christian County
Buckner's Blueberries - blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm 1914 W. Big Bend Rd, Nixa, MO 65714. Phone: (417) 818-9836. Email: bigbendbuck@gmail.com. Open: Please call to get picking dates and times or to place orders for berries to be picked for you. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. 42156/"> Alternate Phone: (417) 818-9835. . June 15 through July 15. (ADDED: June 22, 2018)
Burtons Farm Blueberries - No pesticides are used, blueberries, 445 Silver Lake Rd, Billings, MO 65610. Phone: 417-369-5710. Email: burtonsblueberries@gmail.com. Open: Please call or check our Facebook page for picking dates and times. Directions: You have 2 options: 1. Use Google and search Burton\'s Farm Blueberries and use Google to get you here, Do NOT use a different map or GPS program.2.Drive to the junction on HWY 14 and HWY K in Clever Mo, go south on K for 5 miles then RIGHT on Silver Lake Rd. We are 1.5 miles down on the right. Hope this helps out!! Funny note... My husband was born and raised here, we have a Please call for directions, we are located 20 minutes SW of Springfield. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, credit cards. . Alternate Phone: 417-294-9062. . You have 2 options: 1. Use Google and search Burton's Farm Blueberries and use Google to get you here, Do NOT use a different map or GPS program.2.Drive to the junction on HWY 14 and HWY K in Clever Mo, go south on K for 5 miles then RIGHT on Silver Lake Rd. We are 1.5 miles down on the right. Hope this helps out!! Funny note... My husband was born and raised here, we have a Please call for directions, we are located 20 minutes SW of Springfield. Family friendly facility including flashing restrooms and ice cold refreshments. We are not CERTIFIED ORGANIC, but the berries are not sprayed. (UPDATED: February 22, 2016)
Turnback Creek Farm - blueberries, u-pick and already picked, honey 11048 Lawrence 1245, Mount Vernon, MO 65705. Phone: 417-466-7172. Email: turnbackcreek33@gmail.com. Open: from mid-June, see their Facebook page. Click here for a map and directions. 00717/"> Alternate phone: 417-830-1840. tu. Also, already picked elderberries. (ADDED: July 2, 2020, JBS)
Douglas County
Anderson Blueberry Farm - Blueberries Farm Road 409 and Highway 5, Squires, MO 65755. Phone: 417-830-2452. Email: wayneanderson@missouristate.edu. Open: June, 7 am and closes at dusk, 7 days a week during June, Please call for blueberry availability. Directions: Located in a very quiet and peaceful setting with nature all around. Click here for a map and directions. . The Anderson Farm has been family owned and operated since 1980. We started out raising cattle, Christmas trees, honey bees, raspberries and . We have continued to expand and now specialize in our blueberry operation as we have been successfully participating through our local farmers' market and have experienced significant positive response to our u-pick operation. Blueberry u-pick is usually during the month of June. Picking buckets and boxes to take home your crop are provided. The blueberry field is . Families are encouraged to come and make memories of the picking adventure and the later enjoyment of the wonderful things that can be made from . Bathroom facilities and picnic tables are available. located South of Ava off Highway 5. Go south on Highway 5 to 'A'. Right on 'A' to Farm Road 409. Left on 409. The Anderson Farm is clearly marked on your right hand side.
Klapmeyers Berries and More - Blueberries RFD 1 Box 176, Williow Springs, MO 65793. Phone: 417-469-3895. Open: Mid-June through Mid-July, 7 am to 7 pm through the season; Must call for an appointment to pick or call to order pre-picked berries. Click here for a map and directions. . 20 miles SE of Cabool on Hwy 181, and 13 miles SE of Willow Springs on 181. We are on the East side of the road. Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2010: "This Blueberry farm now has a rule that children 13 and under are not allowed. This is very sad as our four children looked forward to picking every year at this farm. I don't know why they are doing this, they tell us this but don't explain why. It's very sad and they have lost our business because of this. You should post this for unsuspecting families. What a travesty! "
Greene County
Black and Blue Berry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms 5313 South Farm Road 241, Rogersville, MO 65742. Phone: 417-396-8333. Open: as well as up-to-date berry status. Directions: DIRECTIONS From Springfield: Go 10 minutes east of Springfield on highway 60. Turn south on Farm Road 241 which is on right, just 34 mile past Kum and Go. We are 12 mile down, first house on the right on FR 241. From Fordland: Go 4 miles west past Rogersville on highway 60. FR 241 is 34 mile past Jamestown traffic light on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 417-259-6048. Check our website or Facebook for days and hours we're open Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. DIRECTIONS From Springfield: Go 10 minutes east of Springfield on highway 60. Turn south on Farm Road 241 which is on right, just 3/4 mile past Kum and Go. We are 1/2 mile down, first house on the right on FR 241. From Fordland: Go 4 miles west past Rogersville on highway 60. FR 241 is 3/4 mile past Jamestown traffic light on left. Blueberries mid to late June; Blackberries late June through July. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. ClBlack and Blue Berry Farm offers you-pick and we-pick lavender and blueberries. We also proudly serve custom foods items such as blueberry lemonade, iced lavender lattes, and blueberry cinnamon rolls. (ADDED: May 16, 2015)
Poppy's Blueberry Farm - blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available 1332 East Farm Road 80, Springfield, MO 65803. Phone: 417-833-8771. Email: poppysblueberryfarm@yahoo.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website and Facebook pages are gone or outdated - I presume they have closed. Directions: From Interstate 44 take the exit for Pleasant Hope north, this will also be Highway \H\". Stay on \""H\"" highway until you get to farm road 80 and turn left \(west\). The entrance will be the next entrance after you pass OOVVDA Winery on the left. """. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me.June and July; See our Facebook page for current hours. From Interstate 44 take the exit for Pleasant Hope north, this will also be Highway "H". Stay on "H" highway until you get to farm road 80 and turn left (west). The entrance will be the next entrance after you pass OOVVDA Winery on the left.
Sunshine Valley Farm - apples blueberries, prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, school tours 8125 East Ad Highway, Rogersville, MO 65742. Phone: 417-753-2698. Email: jan@sunshinevalleyfarm.com. Open: The Farmstand hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm; the Blueberry u-pick hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 am to 10 am, subject to availability; Market hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm; Sunday, noon to 3 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Crops are usually available in June, July, August. Click here for picking updates. . Blueberries: mid-June to mid-July. The bridge over James River on Highway 125 will be closed from June 1 to November 1, 2010. Come to the farm via Sunshine Street. We will be open normal hours. The ONLY pyo crops offered are blueberries and apples. has been providing delicious apples, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and more for 30 years. Stop by the Farmstand to get your fresh produce today. (UPDATED: July 02, 2016)
Heritage Family Farms - blueberries, 1010807 State Highway 43, Webb City, MO 64870. Phone: 417-673-2580. Email: info@heritagefamilyfarms.net. Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 7:30am until 12 pm Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5pm until 8pm; Closed Sunday. Directions: One mile north of intersection 96 & 43. For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. e Highway 43, Webb City, MO 64870. . . Crops are usually available in June, July, August. Prices for 2017 prices were $3.05/ pound U-pick $5.05/ pound We-pick. . Please call before you come to make sure we are open. We close the farm if the field gets over-picked to let the berries ripen.
IronGate Berry Farm - Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, 16225 Johnson Rd, Eldridge, MO 65463. Phone: (417) 426-5341. Email: info@irongateberryfarm.com. Open: May through July, starting with Strawberries in May; see the IronGate Berry Farm Facebook page. Click here for a map and directions. . IronGate Berries will offer U-Pick & We Pick
Rausch's Blueberries - Blueberries 21655 Hwy H, Monett, MO 65769. Phone: 417-235-7825. Directions: Located in Monett, Missouri. Click here for a map and directions. . We have three acres of, seven varieties in all. Our season typically runs from mid June to mid July, four to six weeks. Please call before coming to be sure when we are open. is a three acre blueberry farm . We have been in business for 31 years and have several different varieties of ! We offer you-pick and we-pick! To place an order, call the Blueberry Hotline (417) 235-7825.)
Rocky Top Berry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, Fresh eggs, picnic area 23286 Lawrence 1140, Verona, MO 65769. Phone: 417-498-6574. Email: rockytopbb@gmail.com. Open: Daylight to early afternoon, late afternoon to dusk. Directions: Halfway between Monett and Aurora on Highway 60, farm road 1140. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Mid May to Mid July; come early for best picking, we open at daylight. We do not use pesticides on the crops. We are not CERTIFIED ORGANIC, but our goal is to provide the best picking opportunity and biggest, most delicious berries with as few chemicals as possible. We do not use any sprays or chemicals on the berries. Natural pest and weed control methods are employed as much as possible. ) Facebook page. Comments from a visitor on June 12, 2009: "I just love going to, the prices are very reasonable, the people are very friendly and they have great plants and blueberries! Thank-you!"
Newton County
Berry King Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms 6832 Eland Road, Joplin, MO 64804. Phone: 417-624-1539. Email: berrykingfarm@hotmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2019, Their website and Facebook page are both gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were June - October. Directions: From I44 Exit 6, head south on highway 86. Turn SouthEast on highway NN. Turn West on Dutch Elm. Follow Dutch Elm West then South. Dutch Elm turns, but stay South on Eland Road. Berry King Farm is on the West side of the Road. Address: 6832 Eland Road Joplin, MO 64804. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Blueberries: June - July Blackberries: July - October. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We take cash on site, but accept payments ahead through the website using PayPal.
Mauller Family Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, 18706 Linden Drive, Neosho, MO 64850. Phone: 417-317-1098. Email: ldmauller@gmail.com. Open: Call for hours. Directions: East of 59 Highway on Linden Drive Neosho Mo. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 417-317-1099. . See face book page for times we will be open. They are a family run u-pick berry farm featuring 42 varieties of blueberries and 6 varieties of blackberries grown naturally for you and your family.(ADDED: June 03, 2015)
Ozark County
Cardoza Blueberry Farm - ORGANIC, blueberries Intersection of Hwy 160 & Route JJ, Alton, MO 65600. Phone: (417) 764-3792. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website and Facebook pages are gone or outdated - I presume they have closed. Click here for a map and directions. . Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me.Monday through Saturday, 7:30am-dusk; Sundays 2:30 pm to dusk. From West Plains, east 15 miles on Hwy 160, at Route JJ. Watch for signs. Organically grown.
Polk County
Gardener's Orchard and Bakery - apples, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries, Farmstand, Hayrides 4455 W Farm Rd 2, Brighton, MO 65617. Phone: 417-742-3093. Email: gardenersfarm@gmail.com. Open: July for peaches and in September for apples. Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: 417-292-4789. . . Gardener's Orchard & Bakery is a 45 acre family run orchard and farm run by the Gradinariu Family since 2013. The orchard was initially started by the Plaster Family in the early 1980's. The Gradinariu Family has expanded the farm to include seasonal produce, berries, a bakery, fresh apple cider and educational farm tours. A specialty fruit farm offering apples, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. We have a bakery open year round on the farm that makes breads, pies, danishes, caramel apples and a variety of homemade bakery items with no added preservatives. We produce an all-natural apple cider September - January that is produced weekly with no added sugar or preservatives. The 2500 tree orchard has 13 varieties of Apple trees and 15 varieties of Peach trees. Each year more than 300 trees are planted to maintain the aging orchard. The the first trees in the orchard were first planted by Cliff Plaster in the early 1980's. You pick your own fruit is available in Orchard tours and hay rides are available for groups of 10 or more during apple season if scheduled ahead of time. Apple Varieties: Red Delicious, Gala, Golden Delicious, Sun Crisp, Fugi, Grimes Golden, Granny Smith, Early Blaze, Braeburn, Arkansas Black, Rome, Jonathan, CameoPeach Varieties: Redhaven, Cresthaven, Julyprince, Rubyprince, Harvester, Blazeprince, Loring, Contender, Augustprince, O'Henry, Sweet Sue, Big Red, Autumnprince, China Pearl, GalaFarm Store and Bakery are open year round offering bakery items, seasonal U-Pick and farm tours.Seasonal Farm Stand open June - October at 3545 W Republic Rd, Springfield, MO.Gardener's products also available at farmers' markets in the Springfield, MO metro area year round.
Stone County
Burtons Farm Blueberries - blueberries, 44445 Silver Lake Rd, Billings, MO 65610. Phone: 417-369-5710. Email: burtonsblueberries@gmail.com. Open: Please call or check our Facebook page for picking dates and times. Directions: Payment: Cash, Check. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 417-294-9062. . Family friendly facility including flashing restrooms and ice cold refreshments. (ADDED: January 24, 2016)
Ozark Mountain Orchard - No pesticides are used blueberries, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms 292949 Pleasant View Road, Highlandville, MO 65669. Phone: (417) 443-3343. Email: info@ozarkmountainorchard.com. Open: Monday - Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sundays 8am to 4pm during blueberry season June - mid July. Directions: From the stoplight at EE in Highlandville go South on Highway 160 about 3 miles to V Highway. Go west on V Highway about 3 miles to Pleasant View Road. Go north on Pleasant View about three quarters of a mile to Ozark Mountain Orchard on the west side of the road. Follow the signs to the berry patch. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. sant View Road, Highlandville, MO 65669. . Monday - Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sundays 8am to 4pm during blueberry season (June - mid July). Blueberries are typically available from early June to mid July. We do not use pesticides on the crops. (UPDATED: June 03, 2019)
Persimmon Hill Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours 367 Persimmon Hill Lane, Lampe, MO 65681. Phone: (417) 779-5443. Email: martha@persimmonhill.com. Open: See our website for current hours; Beginning May 30, the farm is open 8 a. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . . m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays until picking season opens. The date is to be announced as it depends on ripening. When picking season opens, the farm begins operation 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, closed Sunday & Monday; Restaurant options available 8 am to 3 pm. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Blueberry season is usually June 10 through July 30; Blackberry season is usually June 15 through July 15; Shiitake mushrooms are available year round;. We use integrated pest management practices. Desserts and bakery items are available anytime. The farm store and bakery are open whenever the farm is open. (UPDATED: May 12, 2020) Comments from a visitor on July 07, 2010: "I love going to Persimmon Hill. It's so clean and well kept, and everything growing is healthy and thriving. They bake the BEST Blueberry Muffins in the world, known as Thunder Muffins. If you get a chance, you should go! :)"
Texas County
Scenery Hills Farm - blueberries, U-pick and already picked 11400 Rocky Ridge Rd, Bucyrus, MO 65444. Phone: (417) 926-3148. Email: sceneryhills@yahoo.com. Directions: From Houston, route 17 west to 38 west for Hartville. Route 38 to M Highway North for Huggins. 3.10 miles North on Highway M to Right on Rocky Ridge Road. 1 mile on right to 11400 Rocky Ridge. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 725220">Scenery Hills Farm . usually beginning in mid-June last year's price per pound price was $3.00 for you pick and $4.50 for we pick. (UPDATED: June 18, 2018)
Webster County
Elkland's U Pick Berry Farm (aka B Berry Farms) - No pesticides are used blackberries, blueberries, haskaps, honeyberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, group reservations 96 Dusty Drive, Elkland, MO 65644. Phone: (417) 933-2046. Email: teresa@bberryfarms.com. Open: During summer season 515 to 81 Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:30 am to 8 pm ; Tuesday to Friday 4 pm to 8 pm; Fall season 91 to 111 Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 12 pm till dark, Tuesday to Friday 3 pm till dark; all hours subject to change if picked out or bad weather. Directions: From Springfield 65 north past Fairgrove To AA Highway take a Right stay AA on until Elkland go straight on EE Highway go 2 miles signs are on the left. From Marshfield take Highway 38 West to Elkland then right on Highway EE go 2 miles signs are on the left. From Buffalo take 65 South to AA Highway take a Left stay AA on until Elkland go straight on EE Highway go 2 miles signs are on the left. Our Typical seasons for Honeyberries May 15 to June 20, Blueberries May 25 to August 30, Blackberries - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . . During summer season 5/15 to 8/1 Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:30 am to 8 pm ; Tuesday to Friday 4 pm to 8 pm; Fall season 9/1 to 11/1 Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 12 pm till dark, Tuesday to Friday 3 pm till dark; all hours subject to change if picked out or bad weather. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. crops. We have 4,500 plants from Honeyberries (haskap),Blueberries ,Our Blackberries have 2 season the summer season 6/15 to 8/1 and fall season 9/10 to 11/1, Goji's berries 8/15 to 9/15,cherry bushes. We are also a Natural Product Manufacturer of Handmade Lye Soaps, over 15 flavors of Lip Balms, over 20 fragrances of Beard Balm & Beard Oils and so many more products. (UPDATED: July 03, 2019)
The Blueberry Patch - blueberries, porta-potties are available 986 Crosstie Road, Seymour, MO 65746. Phone: 417-935-4178. Email: marciablaine@yahoo.com. Open: Saturdays from 7 am to noon from mid - June to mid - July. Directions: 3 miles east of Seymour, MO just south of Highway 60. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . (ADDED: June 25, 2016)
Blueberry
Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve.
There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests,
(other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is
fantastic (see
related news story), thanks both to the weather and to
more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand
over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other
health properties of blueberries.
If you are looking for information about a similar
berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry)
see this page about
saskatoons.
Picking
tips:
Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any
hint of red isn't fully ripened.
Ripening AFTER picking?
First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs
is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not
"ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple,
red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room
temperature to "ripen").
As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.
Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being
bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.
So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!
How to pick blueberries
Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like
grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under
them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them
with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the
unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.
When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per
hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!).
A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it
takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated
in clusters.
Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:
Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a
closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form
in the container.
Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from
becoming mushy.
Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store
your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home,
without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If
refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep
the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze,
then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed
blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers
in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be
rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries
in cold water.
Blueberry Measurements and Conversions
Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture
content, so these ranges are approximates.
1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4
liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)
1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1
liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)
1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and
3 cups
of berries.
If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and
blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:
Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the
blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump
them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a
little thicker!
Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which
hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the
remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The
blueberries will start off higher in the mix!