 |
|
 |
|
|
|
Wild blueberries were first appreciated by the Native Americans who would dry them for much needed nutrition in the fall and winter months. They were also used to heal various maladies such as morning sickness, headaches, and coughs. The first time these precious little berries were harvested commercially was during the Civil War. They were canned and sent to the Union soldiers. Since then, wild blueberries have been growing in popularity. Given their nutritional value of being the highest in antioxidants and are also known to help in the prevention of cancer, among other things. This has caused their popularity to grow immensely. Maine produces more than 90 percent of the wild blueberry crop in the United States. This adds up to roughly 30 million pounds of blueberries a year. Wild blueberries are smaller than their cultivated counterparts. The wild berries also have a more intense, tangy-sweet flavor. The wild crop also has the advantage of having a variety of wild blueberry variations, providing its distinctive flavor. The wild blueberries are also known as lowbush blueberries and the cultivated berries are known as highbush blueberries. The cultivated blueberries are mostly hybrids, thus allowing them to grow in other parts of the country and the world. Wild blueberries are not planted. They are tended to and encouraged to grow in a healthy and supportable way. The glacial fields and barrens of Maine provide the ideal soil and climate that has enabled these berries to flourish for thousands of years. The wild blueberry crops are maintained by the farmers who own the land that they grow on and many have been doing so for generations. The wild blueberry has a 2 year cycle, this means that every other year a blueberry bush will produce berries. During the year that no berries are produced the farmers tending to them try to help the vegetative growth to increase this will help in the general health of the blueberry bush as a whole. During a blueberry year the plant is prepared for a harvest in August, when the blueberries will be ready for picking. When August comes and it's time to harvest the wild blueberries a special kind of rake is used. It was created by a Mainer from the Downeast area by the name of Abijah Tabbutt over 100 years ago. Since then this special rake has undergone some minor variations. This rake is closed-tined and still in prevalent use today. In fact some wild blueberry picking farms provided visitors with them. ~ Megin K for meliving.com Wild Bluberry Picking and Storage Tips Try Some Great Blueberry Recipes:
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FREE
Dining | Real Estate | Skiing | Rentals | Hotels | Personals Fishing | Hiking | Classifieds | Museums | Attractions
| |||||||||||||||||
