It’s spring and, in Upstate New York, the blueberry bushes already have tiny berries starting to form on their branches. If the warmness of the spring holds on, there should be a crop by the end of May. Depending upon local conditions, blueberry season is typically anytime from May to August, actually.
Classification and Growing Habits
Blueberries belong to the genus Vaccinium, a group of flowering shrubs that also includes cranberries and bilberries. Closely related species of the shrubs grow naturally in North America’s Mid-Atlantic and New England, as well as many parts of Europe and even more northern, circumpolar climates, where there is enough of a growing season. In the northeastern part of the United States, we find "high bush," "low bush" (or "wild") varieties – all related in fruit and taste, but different in growing habits, micro-climate issues and general commercial viability.
Blueberries of all species love acidic soil and broken sunshine. They adapt well to the edges of the woodlands, where there is a lot of sun – but not so much that it burns the tender flowers that come early in the spring before the fruit. They also like the acidity and the moisture that thick composts of falling leaves provide in that niche.
Blueberries are pretty easy to grow and look good in everything from a foundation planting to a shrub border to a backyard garden. This makes them a great addition to an edible border. Depending upon the exact species, their leaves can either be evergreen or deciduous – with the deciduous varieties turning bright red and lingering far into the fall.
Blueberries are a "Super Food"
One of only a handful of foods that are actually blue, blueberries have provided a great source of vitamin C and powerful anti-oxidants. They are true North American natives and have sustained people here for centuries. The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims their benefits and ways to prepare them. Civil War soldiers ate them dried and, in season, drank their fresh juice as protection against scurvy.
In Colonial times, they were called "star berries" due to the five-pointed shape of the blueberry blossoms and their fruit have been used as food, medicine, tea, and even clothing dye. Today, we know they have been "stars" all along – one of those rare "super foods" that have anti-oxidant properties.
There are so many great blueberry recipes. Here’s a favorite:
Blueberry Granola Crisp
(serves 6-8)
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh blueberries (2 cups lightly mashed and 2 cups whole). Save 2 tb. whole berries for a garnish.
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup granola (any kind)
Method
This dessert is delicious served with frozen yogurt, or a spoonful of creme fraiche. Add reserved berries to garnish.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place all the berries except for the 2 tablespoons whole berries in a lightly greased 8- inch square glass baking dish.
- Lightly mix in the sugar.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the granola over the top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes longer or until light golden brown.
- Serve warm.
Debbie Kwiatoski - I have been a working journalist and editor for nearly thirty years, with published pieces in many local and regional magazines and ...
