US HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRY COUNCIL - C/O THOMAS J. PAYNE

Highbush Blueberries Add Value

24 July 2018

US Highbush Blueberries Add Value



Over a century ago, Elizabeth White, an American farmer from the state of New Jersey, and Frederick Coville, a scientist from the US Department of Agriculture, began domesticating blueberries. White enlisted local woodsmen to search out superior Highbush Blueberry bushes in New Jersey's Pine Barrens. Each bush was named after the woodsman who brought it in. These original varieties were tested and thousands of seedling plants grown to fruiting age. The most promising bushes were identified for commercial viability -- fruit size, flavor, aroma, texture, plant vigor.



Today, thanks to these early pioneers, delicious highbush blueberries are commercially produced in more than 30 states with highbush production comprising 88% of all blueberries grown in the United States and more than 65% of North American blueberry production.



Highbush blueberries are marketed as both fresh and Frozen. Fresh production begins in February in Florida and California ends in October in the Northwest. The peak of North American frozen production is in June through August. Frozen blueberries are available year around. Harvested blueberries are promptly frozen to retain flavor and ensure freshness with good texture, shape and color. With good volume highbush blueberries provide opportunities for manufacturers to incorporate more healthful "Real Blueberries Inside¿" a range of products. Scientific research related to blueberries and health is found at http://www.blueberrytech.org/research/research-database.htm.



Real Blueberries Seal¿



Show your blueberries and assure consumers they are getting real blueberries in products. Display the Real blueberries Seal¿ on your package. For information go to http://www.realblueberries.org



Year-round availability, ease of use, and widespread consumer acceptance makes Highbush Blueberries a great choice. Our growers thank you for the support.