‘Blues’ a valuable farm crop Freeze excess fruit for winter treats

On thousands of acres of Maine agricultural land, freshly pollinated blossoms are falling from bushes native to our coastal and inland regions. In late summer, this land will be blanketed under a crop of sweet, wild blueberries – one of our state’s most unique and valuable farm products.

Blueberries belong to the family Ericaceae (the heath family). The low-bush blueberry – or swamp blueberry, as it is known in some parts of the country – is classified as Vaccinium angustifolium, and the high-bush blueberry as Vaccinium corymbosum. In general, the low-bush blueberry grows no taller than 21/2 feet; the high-bush blueberry reaches more than 6 feet. In our state, many low- and high-bush blueberries grow in the wild. It’s not difficult to locate the plants in autumn when their deciduous foliage turns a stunning scarlet or crimson. But they are best found before the black bears and birds feast on the delectable fruit. The blue or black berries of the low-bush blueberry are generally smaller and more flavorful than the high-bush, but both are easily picked, as they grow most often in clusters at tips of stems.

Growing blueberries in the home garden is not difficult. Most home gardeners prefer the convenience and ease of ‘Patriot,’ ‘Blueray,’ ‘Bluecrop,’ ‘Northland,’ Blue Jay’ or Northblue’ high-bush varieties. They grow and bear well in our climate, and produce berries at a height that makes for an easy harvest.

The blueberry patch should be located in full sun and as handy to the home as possible. If space is a limiting factor, there’s really no reason why blueberries can’t be incorporated into landscape plantings. The hardy deciduous shrubs – like most members of the heath family, for that matter- prefer moist, well drained, acidic sandy, peat or light loam soils. They should be spaced about 4 feet apart within rows and 6 feet apart between rows. Soil should be enriched with organic matter. An ideal pH for blueberries is within a range of 4.5 to 5.2. To effectively reduce the pH of soils which are too “sweet” or alkaline, peat moss, oak leaves or pine needles can be incorporated into the soil the year prior to plant installation.

While high-bush blueberries have their benefits, our native low-bush berries may well be more healthful. According to the Wild Blueberry Association of North America’s Web site, “Scientists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University ranked blueberries No. 1 as an antioxidant compared with 40 other commercially available fruits and vegetables.”

Both types of blueberries are ready to harvest when navy blue, with a delicate silver-white film on the outer skin. The berries should be plump, sweet and smooth-skinned.

Blueberries, like many other fresh fruits, do not keep well fresh for an extended time, so it is best to can or freeze what isn’t immediately used. Blueberries are easily frozen and stored for a variety of uses in winter. If berries are organically grown, they keep best without a washing, otherwise, rinse the berries with cool water and drain them in a colander. Remove unwanted leaves and stems as well as green, unripe berries. Spread the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet and par-freeze them. Loosen the berries from the sheet, store them in plastic bags or containers and store them in the freezer for 12-18 months. Use them as needed.

Whether wild or high-bush, try the following simple but tasty frozen blueberry delight on a hot summer’s day.

Blueberry Blizzards

3 cups frozen blueberries

11/2 cups milk

4 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve in chilled bowls with a spoon, or in chilled glasses with a straw. Serves 4.