May 26, 2010
Persistent cool, wet weather has pushed California's blueberry ripening back 7 to 10 days, but farmers are expecting a bountiful harvest of the antioxident-rich fruit, reported the Fresno Bee today.
Typically, some varieties are ready at the end of April and "by the second week of May we're going," UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Manuel Jimenez told Bee food writer Joan Obra.
According to Alex Ott, executive director of the California Blueberry Commission, more than 30 million pounds of California blueberries will be harvested in 2010.
Consumers rarely have the opportunity to select blueberries by variety, but the different types grown in California vary substantially.
Jimenez suggests, for tart, firm berries, go for the early-season Emeralds, Obra reported. A softer and sweeter option is the Jewel. The Reveille has lots of sweetness, while Southmoons have the best flavor and sweetness combination.
Farmers and industry representatives are participating in a blueberry and blackberry field day and tasting today at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center. The public may sample 15 blueberry and 4 blackberry varieties at a berry tasting 8 to 11 a.m. June 12 at Bravo Lake Botanical Gardens, 200 E. Naranjo Blvd., in the Tulare County community of Woodlake.
Bravo Lake visitors will also have the opportunity to try Pakistani mulberries. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers, Pakistani mulberries have extremely large ruby-red fruit that is sweet and has fine flavor balance.
Consumers rarely have the opportunity to select blueberries by variety, but the different types grown in California vary substantially.
Jimenez suggests, for tart, firm berries, go for the early-season Emeralds, Obra reported. A softer and sweeter option is the Jewel. The Reveille has lots of sweetness, while Southmoons have the best flavor and sweetness combination.
Farmers and industry representatives are participating in a blueberry and blackberry field day and tasting today at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center. The public may sample 15 blueberry and 4 blackberry varieties at a berry tasting 8 to 11 a.m. June 12 at Bravo Lake Botanical Gardens, 200 E. Naranjo Blvd., in the Tulare County community of Woodlake.
Bravo Lake visitors will also have the opportunity to try Pakistani mulberries. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers, Pakistani mulberries have extremely large ruby-red fruit that is sweet and has fine flavor balance.
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