Vancouver, B.C. – Beginning with a trickle and turning into a torrent, consumers can now find the first of the 2012 season’s fresh BC blueberries at their local supermarket’s produce department, farmers’ markets and farm gates. More than 800 British Columbian blueberry farmers are now out in the fields picking what looks like a very strong crop of the antioxidant-rich, sweet berries.
Known as “nature’s candy,” BC blueberries are expected to be available through until mid-October this year. After a wet spring, the season got off to a slower start than usual, but it appears that this year’s crop may even rival last year’s record-breaking haul. The 2011 yield came in at over 95 million pounds and made BC the largest highbush blueberry growing region in the world.
“The fresh season for BC blueberries is always highly anticipated, and this year is no exception” said Debbie Etsell, executive director of the British Columbia Blueberry Council. “This is the season to be eating fresh blueberries – you’re supporting local farmers and treating yourself to a sweet, nutritious berry.”
Along with being available at supermarkets, produce stores and farmers’ markets, BC blueberries can also be hand-picked by consumers at the many “u-pick” farms throughout British Columbia. Lists of blueberry farms offering both “u-pick” options and farm gate sales are included on the council’s website. “Given that 98% of Canada’s highbush blueberries are grown in BC, spending an afternoon picking blueberries is a quintessentially British Columbian activity,” noted Etsell.
The most popular way to enjoy BC blueberries is to simply grab a handful! But for those looking to power-up their meals, the BCblueberry.com website has more than 100 recipes with creative ideas on how to use the berries – from smoothies and baked goods, through to cocktails and barbecue sauces. Try the Classic Blueberry Barbeque Sauce to bring a new twist to your backyard grill, or a Blueberry Bacon Bread Pudding for an easy summer brunch with the family (recipes below).
Those not so keen on the kitchen will also find plenty of ways to celebrate blueberry season this year. Get out to the University of British Columbia for their annual Blueberry Fest from July 25 – 28, which includes bulk blueberry sales, delicious dishes and a chef’s demo, along with entertainment for the whole family. White Spot Restaurants will once again include their legendary Fresh BC Blueberry Pie as part of their Celebrate BC menu, as well as offering blueberry-flecked entrees such as their Candied Salmon Spinach Salad. Lucky’s Doughnuts is introducing two limited edition blueberry doughnuts this season, and even Vancouver’s food carts are getting into the blueberry action with the Re-Up BBQ offering a blueberry soda this summer.
BC blueberry fans can keep informed about other local eateries featuring baby blues on their summer menus via the newly-minted BC Blueberry Council Facebook page. The page will be a resource for swapping recipes and photos, and learning about featured chefs’ favourites, fun facts and other news.
About the British Columbia Blueberry Council
The British Columbia Blueberry Council represents over 800 blueberry growers, located in some of Canada's
most rich and fertile farmland. Plantings of premium quality highbush blueberries top 8,100 hectares in British
Columbia and produce upwards of 40 million kilograms of blueberries annually. With more than $1 billion in
sales in the past five years, Canada is the third largest national producer of sweet and juicy highbush blueberries
in the world. Available fresh in B.C. from July through October, BC blueberries are also frozen, dried, juiced,
pureéd and powdered, available for year round-distribution throughout Canada and around the world.
Source: British Columbia Blueberry Council
