Blueberries are hands-down one of the best treats summer has to offer. Whether you call them blueberries or huckleberries, these little superfruits are a staple of the warmer months. While there are some slight differences between the wild varieties you find in the woods and the cultivated ones in your backyard, their seasons are actually pretty similar.
Blueberry Harvest Season
The blueberry season usually kicks off around late June or early July. One thing to keep in mind is that blueberries don’t all ripen at once; they mature in waves. This means the harvest window can actually stretch out over several weeks or even months. It’s not uncommon to still be picking fresh berries well into late August or early September!
Wild vs. Garden Varieties
Both wild and cultivated blueberries share roughly the same harvest schedule. However, if you’ve got them in the right spot in your garden, cultivated varieties often boast a slightly longer season. We’re usually only talking about an extra week or two, but hey, every berry counts!
What Affects the Harvest?
It’s hard to circle a specific date on the calendar because nature is in charge. Factors like location and weather play a huge role. A sunny, warm spot paired with plenty of water and nutrients usually results in an early, bountiful harvest. On the flip side, a cold or rainy summer can shorten the season or, in really bad years, cause the crop to fail entirely.
How to Spot a Ripe Blueberry
You can tell ripe blueberries are ready for your cereal bowl by looking for three main things:
- Color
- Texture
- How easily they let go of the stem
Ripe berries are deep blue
The biggest giveaway is the color. A perfectly ripe blueberry should be a deep, dark blue. If the berries still look a bit light or reddish, they need a few more days on the bush to sweeten up.
Ripe berries are plump and firm
A good berry should look plump and feel firm to the touch. The skin should be smooth, not wrinkled. If you find soft or mushy berries, go ahead and pick them off to prevent mold from spreading, but toss those ones out.
Ripe berries pull away easily
When a blueberry is ready, it’ll practically fall into your hand with a gentle tug. If you have to pull hard, give it another day or two. This is important because blueberries don’t continue to ripen once they’re picked. If you pluck them too early, they’ll stay tart, so patience is key!
