Blueberry Picking Tips And Guidelines

Blueberry picking is not only a great past-time, but also allows you to choose the freshest berries of the season. If you are considering taking a trip to a farm to pick blueberries, read the information and tips below to help you select and store your berries.

Before Going to the Farm

Make sure to leave early and bring your own containers, such as shallow tupperware. You’ll want to avoid heaping blueberries on top of one another as doing so will crush the berries at the bottom.

Kinds of Bushes You'll Pick From

There are two main types of blueberries that come from either a the high-bush variety or low-bush blueberry plants. The high bushes can grow up to 15 feet while the low bushes are only about one foot high. If you’re picking berries in the United States, you’ll more than likely be picking from the low-bush plants.

How to Pick the Blueberries

To pick your blueberry off the bush, follow these easy steps:

1. Look for berries that are plump and full with a light gray-blue color. A berry that has a hint of red isn’t fully ripened but will ripen after it is picked.
2. Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches, the easiest way to pick them is to have your bucket on the middle of your arm while you are picking the berries. If you are using tupperware, holding it right underneath the bunch is ideal.
3. To pick the berries, cup a ripe bunch gently in your hand and rub them with your fingers. The ripe berries will simply fall off into your bucket or tupperware while the unripe berries will remain on the bush.

Storing the Blueberries

Before storing your berries, make sure to discard shriveled or moldy ones. Store the blueberries, preferably in a single layer, in a moisture-proof container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Fresh blueberries can also be frozen by placing them into an air-tight bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw the frozen berries by placing the bag in the refrigerator.