Massachusetts Blueberry Picking Season Is Almost Upon Us

Most fruits and veggies are available here in the Northeast even when they are not in season, thanks to the ability to ship them in from elsewhere in the world where they are grown, like South America.

I love blueberries and buy them all year long. However, supermarket blueberries during the winter months are not always the best. Winter blueberries are expensive, are often small like pebbles, and can taste bitter.

There is nothing like a locally grown blueberry and nothing like picking them yourself.

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Some of my earliest memories of my paternal grandparents are of blueberry picking. I don't recall where we picked the berries – perhaps Wareham – but I remember my grandmother handing out bowls or pails to everyone involved in the collection process.

WebMD says, "Blueberries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide notable health benefits."

"Blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which helps promote heart health," the site says.

Vitamin K is also important in bone health and blood clotting.

WebMD says blueberries are low in calories, can lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and help control blood sugar and digestion.

Blueberries grow on bushes and shrubs. They are native to North America. Native Americans have included blueberries in their diet for thousands of years.

The Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources (DAR) says, "Blueberries are one of the native fruits to Massachusetts." DAR says, "From mid-July to the end of August, blueberries are ripe and ready for picking."

Maas.gov has a searchable map for locating farms where you can pick blueberries. It's a great source of family fun especially when you use your fresh blueberries to make fabulous recipes when you are done picking.