Deckers U Pick Blueberries (2024)

FAQs

How do you pick blueberries tips and tricks? ›

Look for berries that are plump, and full. Berries that have turned completely red, blue, or purple will continue to ripen at room temperature. The quickest and easiest way to pick berries at the patch is to hold your bucket with one hand and used the other hand to gently rub the stalk of berries.

You'll want your berries to be even in size, with smooth, unbroken skin that's deep purple to nearly black in color. A silvery coating (or “bloom”) on blueberries is normal. Choose dry, plump and firm blueberries – stains on the container might indicate bruised fruit. Skip any reddish berries as they aren't fully ripe.

Generally, adding a 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to your daily diet is a healthy and reasonable amount. Even 1/3 cup a day has been associated with a reduced disease risk. This amount provides a substantial dose of antioxidants, vitamins and fiber.

When To Harvest. Blueberries are typically ready for picking between late July and mid-August. Generally, they will be blue or purplish-blue when they're ripe. However, consider waiting a couple of extra days to harvest even if they're blue because bigger berries tend to have a sweeter flavor.

Fresh blueberries are carefully hand harvested to protect the fragile fruit. Blueberries that will be packaged and sold frozen, freeze-dried, or used for jams and jellies are mechanically harvested. Machines are used to shake each bush, causing the ripe berries to fall into a catching frame.

The best time to pick berries in the garden is in the early morning hours before heat builds up in the fruit. They are at the peak of sweetness at this time, and it doesn't hurt that this may be the coolest time of day as well.

The hack, shared by @onlybsides, involves placing blueberries in water. Ripe blueberries sink due to their higher specific gravity, while unripe ones float. This method helps in easily identifying and separating the sour, less-ripe berries from the ripe ones.

Interestingly enough, you can easily separate sweet blueberries from the tart ones by pouring them all into a bowl of water. Sweeter, riper berries will sink to the bottom of the bowl, while the berries that are less ripe and more tart will float.

Blueberries are often called a “superfood.” This small but mighty berry is loaded with nutrients . They may help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, improve memory, aid in exercise recovery, and more. Blueberries are sweet, nutritious and wildly popular.

Which berry is the healthiest? ›

Blueberries contain the highest number of antioxidants. Cranberries and blackberries also have a notably high amount of antioxidants, and blackberries are relatively low in calories. Switching up the berries you purchase, though, is the best way to ensure you're getting all the health benefits each berry offers.

Recent study findings suggest that blueberries may influence genes which regulate fat-burning and storage, helping reduce abdominal fat and lower cholesterol. When combined with a low-fat diet, blueberries might also lower triglycerides and improve blood sugar levels, each benefits of a comprehensive weight loss plan.

Picking at night or early in the morning (as long as dew is not present) can maintain a more favorable berry temperature, but cooling using refrigeration or forced air cooling can be a great asset.

One of the most common ways to store blueberries is keeping a stash of fresh blueberries in the fridge. It's important to refrigerate fresh berries after a grocery delivery, trip to the store or visit to the u-pick farm. You can keep them in the original plastic clamshell or in a covered bowl or container.

If you're going to be walking through itchy, bug-filled bushes, we suggest long-sleeve shirts, long socks, and pants. (If you'll be strolling through a less claustrophobic orchard, you're probably fine to dress a bit lighter.) Baby wipes and gloves can also be helpful for staying reasonably clean.

Ripe blueberries are plump and deep blue with a dusting of gray on the surface. A blueberry that is firm or shows any hint of red isn't fully ripened and will likely be tart. White and green colored blueberries are not ripe, leave them on the bush or in the store as they will not ripen.

Blueberries grow in the peak of summer. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are a good idea – and don't forget water! Bring your own Tupperware. Yes, most farms will provide you with a bucket to pick the berries in.

Deep, low pH mulch like peat moss, pine needles or well aged sawdust conserves water and minimizes soil water fluctuations. Water blueberry plants during the day. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Give them at least 1" per week during growing season and up to 4" per week during fruit ripening.

Blueberry varieties should be chosen for climate, soil and taste preference. Two or more varieties blooming at the same time will ensure cross pollination and larger fruit, even in the varieties that are classified as self-fruitful, meaning they do not need cross pollination to set the fruit.