May 8, 2013
Blueberries are one of May’s showstoppers, they’re at their peak of perfection right now— these powerhouse berries are so delicious, we can’t get enough of them at our house. While researching the best of the season for my May Pick Now! Calendar I found some great information about picking the best of the best berries. One disclaimer: As you read through this keep your mind in the garden and out of the gutter, because the innuendos here are endless.
There are two overall varieties of blueberries: lowbush and highbush. Lowbush blueberries are grown primarily in Maine and parts of Canada. They are smaller berries, with more intense coloring and a wonderful tart sweetness. The smaller size means less water content, which makes them the best for baking.
Highbush blueberries are the most common type you’ll find in most grocery stores. Michigan leads the way as the biggest producer of highbush berries. Highbush are larger than lowbush and take on a silvery sheen. Plump and flavorful, these berries are great for snacking.
Whatever bush type you have your eye on, here are some things to look for at the farmers market or grocery store when selecting blueberries:
And according to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, if you bring home blueberries that aren’t quite ripe you can place them in a big with an apple to speed up the process. The ethylene from the apple will cause the blueberries to ripen faster.
So now you know what to look for when you buy or pick blueberries this season. Whether high or lowbush is your thing, you’ve gotta make sure this fantastic Blueberry Cobbler finds its way into your oven. Whether you serve it for dessert or breakfast (or both) you have happy people.
