How many blueberries does Maine produce?

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Maine produced more than 100 million pounds of wild blueberries a year between 2014 and 2016. That production surge created a glut in the market as Maine contended with competition from Canadian growers and the powerful cultivated blueberry industry.



Accordingly, how many blueberries are grown in Maine?

The remaining 70 percent of the crop is cultivated blueberries produced in Michigan, New Jersey, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Georgia, Arkansas and in other states. Wild blueberries are grown on 44,000 acres in Maine.

Similarly, why do blueberries grow well in Maine? While normally an understory crop, shade strongly limits production, produces uneven plant growth, and fruits will be small and will ripen unevenly. Blueberries have good potential as an organic crop, because few pests bother them, and they do well on many Maine soils, but perennial weeds must be controlled.

Hereof, what state is the largest producer of blueberries?

Michigan

Are Maine wild blueberries sprayed?

However, pesticides are still very much a part of wild blueberry production in Maine. This change didn't reduce or eliminate the amount of pesticides being used by these companies; it just altered the application method from aerial to ground spraying. “The bulk of organic, wild blueberries come from Quebec,” Bell said.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Why are Maine blueberries so small?

Wild blueberries are Maine's state fruit. Parks says that many cultivated blueberries are pumped with water, while wild berries aren't. This makes them smaller, sweeter and firmer. Because they're so easily bruised, it's tradition in Maine to harvest wild blueberries by hand.

What is the difference between blueberries and wild blueberries?

How are Wild Blueberries different from cultivated blueberries? Taste – Wild Blueberries have a more intense, sweet and tangy taste than cultivated blueberries. Size – Wild Blueberries are naturally smaller and more compact (less water content) than cultivated, which means you get more Wild Blueberries per pound.

What state is known for its blueberries?

Washington and Georgia lead the country in terms of blueberry production, but a variety of states in varied climates also contribute to this crop's output in the U.S.

Which country has the best blueberries?

Top Blueberry Growing Countries In The World
Rank Country Tons of Blueberries Produced
1 United States 239,071
2 Canada 109,007
3 Poland 12,731
4 Germany 10,277

Where can I pick blueberries?


Pick Your Own Blueberries
  • Finger Lakes National Forest (wild & free! Five acres are managed for blueberry production.
  • Burch Farms (Hilton)
  • Becker Farms (Albion)
  • G and S Orchards (Walworth)
  • Hurd Orchards (Holley)
  • Whittier Fruit Farm (Gates)
  • Greg's U-Pick Farm (Clarence Center)
  • Green Acre Farms (Greece)

Where can I pick wild blueberries in Maine?

Where you can pick blueberries in Maine
  • ACTON. Blueberry Hill Farm. 231 Blueberry Hill Road.
  • ALBION. Bessey Ridge Farm. 359 Bessey Ridge Road.
  • ARUNDEL. Dragonfly Meadow Blueberry Farm. 16 West Lane.
  • ATHENS. Sites Farm. 98 Joaquin Road.
  • BEDDINGTON. Beddington Ridge Farm. 1951 State Highway 193.
  • BOWDOIN. Card's Fruit Farm.
  • BROOKSVILLE. Blue Sky Farm.
  • BUXTON. Estes Farm.

What are Maine blueberries?

The wild blueberry, sometimes called the low-bush blueberry, is native to Maine and thrives in its glacier-churned soil and challenging seasons. These hardy little berries are generally smaller than their high-bush cousins and, say their advocates, are juicier and more flavorful as well.

When was the blueberry discovered?

In 1908, Frederick Coville, a USDA botanist, was determined to cultivate blueberries. In 1910, he discovered that they could only thrive in acidic soil. Elizabeth read Frederick's “Experiments in Blueberries” and reached out to him. In 1911, Elizabeth teamed up with Frederick.

Why are blueberries bad for you?

It is also problematic when your “bad” LDL cholesterol is oxidized. In fact, oxidation of “bad” LDL cholesterol is a crucial step in the heart disease process. The antioxidants in blueberries are strongly linked to reduced levels of oxidized LDL. This makes blueberries very good for your heart ( 15 ).

What happens if you eat blueberries everyday?


A daily bowl could protect against obesity, heart disease and diabetes. A bowl of wild blueberries a day could protect against a range of health problems including obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Berries are rich in polyphenols - antioxidants that protect cells in the heart and help lower blood pressure.

What Blueberries are the sweetest?

Legacy berries were the sweetest of the three, with floral undertones, and the Drapers were pleasingly tart. (If Legacy blueberries are Golden Delicious, then Drapers are Granny Smith—i.e. ideal for a pie.)

How many blueberries should you eat a day?

Eating 150g of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15 per cent. The research team say that blueberries and other berries should be included in dietary strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease -- particularly among at risk groups.

Where do blueberries grow the best?

Blueberry growing regions
Blueberry bushes can pop up all over the U.S., and while 38 states grow blueberries commercially, ten states account for more than 98% of U.S. commercial production: California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.

Which is the best blueberry?


The best selection is the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), our native species which is ideally suited to all three growth zones of the Garden State. Highbush blueberry cultivars have an inherent resistance to many diseases of fruit, flower, and foliage.

Why do blueberries turn purple?

A cooked blueberry has turned red-purple; the berry has gone from Puritan to odalisque. The explosion of flavor and color has to do with a substance called anthocyanin, the pigment (Greek: anthos = flower, kyanos = blue) found in flowers and plants, particularly in the skin of blueberries, eggplants, and cherries.

Can dogs eat blueberries?

Yes, dogs can eat blueberries. Blueberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. This fruit is a healthy snack for both large and small dogs, and most pups love them.