Featured Crop
California Grown Blueberries
Small but packed with flavor, California-grown blueberries are sweet, juicy, and rich in antioxidants.
Cooking classes
Blueberry Pancakes
Yield: 8 pancakes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Blueberry Bliss Bites
Yield: 15 balls
Chill Time: 1 hour
Varieties
Star, Duke and Legacy thrive in Central California’s climate and soil.
Prep Tips
Perfect fresh in smoothies, baked goods and salads. Freeze for year-round use.
Nutrition
A healthy superfood packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K and fiber. Studies show blueberries help improve memory and brain function.
Cultivation
Central Valley blueberries thrive in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Planted in early spring, they need full sun and 1-2 inches of weekly moisture, often supplied by drip irrigation. The region’s warm days and cool nights enhance the berries’ sweet flavor. Harvesting occurs from late spring to early summer when the berries are fully ripe. Hand-picking ensures quality, and sustainable practices like organic fertilizers and integrated pest management keep crops healthy.
When can I buy blueberries?
Blueberries in Central California are typically available from late April through early July. The region’s temperate climate, with warm days and cool nights, provides ideal growing conditions for blueberries. You can find fresh, locally grown blueberries at farmers markets and grocery stores during this period. To ensure peak freshness and flavor, look for berries that are plump, deep blue, and have a silvery sheen. Early mornings at the market often yield the freshest picks.
Nutritional value of blueberries
Blueberries are a nutrient-dense superfood rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and essential minerals like manganese. Packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, they support heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function. A 1-cup serving of fresh blueberries has about 84 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and 24% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
How to store blueberries
Store fresh blueberries in the refrigerator, keeping them in their original container or a breathable container to maintain freshness for up to a week. Do not wash them until you are ready to eat, as excess moisture can lead to mold. For long-term storage, freeze blueberries by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. This method helps preserve their texture and flavor.
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Apples
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Bok Choy
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