Commodity Articles
Blueberries
June 2007If you're eating plenty of blueberries, you can bet your body isn't singing the blues. Those sweet, tangy little berries are packed with antioxidants to neutralize free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease, and the effects of aging.
"The word is out about the health benefits of blueberries, and growers are seeing increased demand for their product," says Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson. "It's no wonder these perennial favorites are only growing in popularity. They're bursting with nutrients; plus, they're delicious, satisfying, and so low in calories that even dieters can enjoy them."
The Florida blueberry season starts in mid to late March and ends in June. Most of the state's commercial blueberry acreage can be found in Bay, Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Alachua, Marion, Lake, Polk, Hillsborough, and Highlands counties. In 2004, Florida's cash receipts for blueberries totaled over $25 million.
Blueberries don't ripen once they've been harvested, so make sure the berries you choose are deep blue-gray without any hint of red. Shake the container gently to check that the berries move freely; if they don't, they might be mushy or moldy. Ripe blueberries should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to a week. Before refrigerating, sort through the berries and remove any that are moldy or damaged. Berries shouldn't be washed until just prior to use.
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