Selection & Availability

Calendar

March '10
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

Selection & Availability

Selection
    It's important to be familar with the ripening characteristics of blueberries, especially if you pick your own. Some varieties may have fruit that is highly colored, but it still may not be at peak maturity. Blueberries increase in size and improve in flavor for several days after they turn blue. It takes three to six days for them to become fully ripe after turning blue. Unripe berries will turn blue after harvest, but sugar content and size are noticeable less than when berries ripen completely on the bush. Overripe berries may shrivel and drop.
    You may even buy enough of these to freeze for such delicacies as blueberry muffins later on. Be sure the fruit is pllump and firm. Keep refrigerated until ready for use, or repackage in suitable freezing bags or containers and freeze immediately without washing.

Availability
    Fresh, locally grown rabbiteye blueberries are available from early May through mid-June in South Louisiana and from early June through mid-July in North Louisiana. Blueberries from other sections of the country are plentiful in superemarkets in July and August.

Last Modified: April 1, 2009