Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Friday, August 1, 2008

Don’t let a little mud keep you from picking what producers are saying is one of the best Vermont blueberry crops in years – break out your Crocs and Wellies and head to the nearest blueberry patch!

It’s the peak of blueberry season in Vermont and Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee is encouraging Vermonters to pick local berries. Blueberries represent an important sector of the state’s agricultural industry and have gained popularity in recent years due to their powerful disease fighting abilities in addition to their great taste.

“Blueberries have the added benefit of being a delicious summer treat and being very good for you. They contain powerful antioxidants and they taste wonderful,” said Secretary Allbee. “Visiting the local blueberry patch is a highlight of the summer. I encourage all Vermonters to take a fun family outing to their local blueberry patch and take advantage of the bountiful blueberry harvest we have this year.”

Producers from all across the state are reporting big, ripe and sweet berries. The rainy weather has actually helped the blueberry crop this year. A good combination of rain, warmth, and sun has resulted in this year’s bountiful harvest with berries that are large in size and have an abundance of flavor.

Blueberries rank number one in antioxidants when compared to 40 other fruits and vegetables. These important compounds advance heart health, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and contribute to overall wellness. Most recently, researchers have linked eating blueberries with a reduction in the buildup of so-called "bad" cholesterol that contributes to cardiovascular disease and stroke, an easing of eye fatigue and a slowing of age-related loss in mental capacity. People who ate a cup of blueberries a day performed 5 to 6 percent better on motor skills tests than a control group. For those watching their weight, blueberries are especially appealing, as a cup of blueberries only contains 83 calories and is a good source of dietary fiber.

For a list of Pick-Your-Own blueberry farms, farmers’ markets and farmstands, as well as a list of free canning workshops, please visit www.vermontagriculture.com or call (802) 828-3829.