BLUEBERRIES

            Blueberries are one of three native North American fruits (the other two are cranberries and concord grapes).  In the wild, there are both high-bush and low-bush varieties, and they appear as dense underbrush in wooded sandy areas with acidic soils.  It is the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) that was first cultivated here at Whitesbog by Joe’s Great-Aunt Elizabeth and produces the larger, juicier berries.  Blueberry bushes range anywhere from 3 to 6 feet tall and produce bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late April and into May.    

            Blueberry harvesting happens during the month of July.  They are harvested by hand-pickers or by a machine that is similar to the one originally invented by Joe’s dad, Tom Darlington.  Joseph J. White, Inc. grows a special variety named after Aunt Elizabeth that is the biggest, sweetest blueberry known;  however, because of its size and sweetness it requires special handling and is not normally commercially available.  You can get yours by scheduled pick-up here at our farm, and they can be pre-ordered to ensure availability due to the limited supply.