Best Blueberry Picking in Florida
April through September is blueberry season in southwest Florida. After commercial growers harvest their crops, they often open the farms to the public for U-pick opportunities. I personally cannot get enough of these delicious jewels! I grew up eating fresh blueberries from our own garden in the northeast. No matter what northern state we lived in, it seemed that my mother always found a way to grow berries! Now I visit local farms in Florida, where I live, for these tasty treats.
Where to U-Pick blueberries in Florida
What’s the history on blueberries?
Blueberries grow on bushes and are a perennial flowering plant. The wild berry may have derived from a distant relative that dates back to 13,000 years ago! Blueberries are commercially grown all over the world, are native to North America, and date back to pre-colonial times with Native Americans harvesting wild (low bush variety) berries for centuries. Wild berries were very small, and less juicy than today’s varieties, but supposedly more flavorful. Blue berries had medicinal purposes and were even used as dyes for baskets and fabrics. Thanks to Frederick Coville, a botanist, and Elizabeth White a blueberry farmer, we now eat a more refined berry. They found each other in 1910 out of enthusiasm for the blue berry and discovered how climate and soil acididty affect their growth. Today, there are breeding progams for natural selection of certain varieties for highest quality of optimal flavor and color.
New Jersey claims the title of “Capitol of the world” for growing blueberries. The united states produces over 20 varieties, and 40% of the world’s supply in (high bush variety) blueberries and is number one in the world for blueberry production, while Canada is second. Personally, some of the best berries I have ever picked and eaten were grown in Oregon, Maine, New York, and Florida. July is National Blueberry Month in North America and is the height of the season.
Check out more blueberry history here! U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
How to prepare for a day at the farm
Call ahead! Picking hours may vary due to farms often being family run. Also, there may be a limit to how many people can pick at the same time, especially during and post Covid times. Most commercial farms have several acres and 10’s of thousands of plants, so thats not the issue. Another thing to consider is what variety you like the most. If you don’t know this, then go at the beginning to peak of season so you can try all of them! But if you do know the variety you like, then that will narrow down which land area to drive to on their farm, and when to go.
Now that you have booked the day, it’s time to pack! To make the most of your trip to the farm, closed toe shoes are a must! Sometimes the ditches between bush rows are muddy. Plus, the ground is very uneven, so sneakers are a safe bet. You should wear long sleeves that fit closely to your skin. This is to limit scratches on your arms when reaching into the bushes. They don’t have thorns, but after a couple hours of picking, you could have scratches. Also, wear sunscreen and a brimmed hat–Especially in Florida! the Florida heat can get the best of even the most seasoned outdoorsman, so bring water and an umbrella for shade breaks.
Most farms provide you with a bucket for collecting the berries, but some do not, so you may need a bag or basket. I try to bring my mother’s Longaberger berry baskets for tradition. Also, I like to bring a blanket and spread it out off to the side of the bush rows. That way, my kids can take seated breaks with water, and snack on a few berries! Some farms don’t mind if you bring a lunch, while others don’t allow outside food, so check first. Also, usually no pets are allowed at farms due to strict food and safety regulations.
How to pick the best berries on the bush
When berries begin to grow on a bush, they start in clusters and are small, hard, and green. Slowly, with sunlight, they mature into a white and pinkish color. Soon they turn to brighter hues of pink and purple and finally are ripe when dark blue. They finish with a layer of natures wax giving it a powdery look. All blueberries have a signature flared crown on the side opposite of the stem.
Look for the dark blue ones. They are mixed in with clusters of other berries in various stages of ripening. Be careful here, since you don’t want to pick ones that aren’t ripe. That would be a waste since they are inedible in the other (non-blue) stages. Allow other berries in the cluster to remain on the vine to ripen. Also be careful when handling the berries. when they are dark blue, they are softer and full of juice. Gently tug them from the stem and don’t squeeze! Sometimes they fall right off the vine, so be prepared to pick them up if they fall to the ground.
What to do with fresh picked berries
Animals and humans have enjoyed blueberries raw for their sweetness. However, they can also be processed as frozen, puree, juice, or dried. Then, they can be used to bake and cook with. Blueberries have been a favored berry in muffins, breads, jams, jellies, pies, cereal bars, snack foods, smooties and more. Blueberries are nutritious with fiber, Vitamin C and K, and potassium.
