Hello, fellow fruit enthusiasts! While I’ve got a soft spot for a plethora of fruits, there’s a fruity affair in my life that’s almost a daily celebration—blueberries! Picture this: every morning, I kick off my day with the vibrant burst of fresh blueberries, or if the fridge is playing hide-and-seek, I happily settle for their frozen counterparts. Now, what do I pair with these little blue wonders, you ask? Well, it’s a tough decision between yogurt, oatmeal, or the wild card entry—cranberry almond crunch! Life’s full of tough choices, right?

But hold your berry-loving horses because my love for blueberries doesn’t stop at breakfast. I’m head over heels for blueberry pie, swooning over blueberry scones, and guess what, I recently experienced the wild side at a whiskey tasting with chocolate-covered blueberries! The possibilities are so endless; it’s like the blueberry universe is my playground.

Now, let me spill some blueberry tea. Did you know that blueberries are basically the rock stars of superfoods? They’re not just delicious; they’re also ancient celebrities, having been around since the dawn of time. Legend has it that even the Pilgrims got a taste of these blue delights from Native Americans during their first Winter escapade in the new world.

If you’re a blueberry buff like me, you’ve got to experience the joy of plucking them straight from the bush. Trust me; it’s a family outing waiting to happen! Blueberry farms with pick-your-own days are like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but for berries. Jam, muffins, bread, crumbles, ice cream—you name it, blueberries can do it!

And let’s talk about the global blueberry takeover. These little guys are grown in 38 states in the U.S., with a special shout-out to the top 10 blueberry hubs. Here they are, the champions of blueberry production:

• Michigan: Known for its sweet and juicy blueberries, Michigan takes the lead in blueberry production.
• Georgia: The Peach State is not only about peaches; it’s a significant player in the blueberry game.
• Oregon: The West Coast boasts a strong presence in blueberry production, with Oregon standing out.
• Washington: Another West Coast contender, Washington contributes significantly to the blueberry bounty.
• North Carolina: Blueberry fields stretch across the Tar Heel State, producing ample berries for all.
• New Jersey: Historic Whitesbog Village in New Jersey is a berry lover’s paradise and the birthplace of the blueberry craze.
• California: From sun-kissed fields, California adds its touch to the diverse blueberry supply.
• Florida: The Sunshine State brings its tropical flair to the blueberry scene, contributing to the nation’s output.
• Mississippi: The Magnolia State may be known for its magnolias, but its blueberries are equally impressive.
• Indiana: Blueberry bushes thrive in the Hoosier State, securing its spot among the top blueberry producers.

But it doesn’t stop there—Canada, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay are all in for the blueberry game. Thanks to opposite seasons, blueberries are like the jet-setters of fruits, always in season somewhere!

Now, let’s dive into the riveting history of blueberries. These gems are part of an exclusive club of berries native to North America, alongside cranberries and Concord grapes. Native Americans were the OG blueberry fans, using them fresh, dried, and even brewing healing tea from the roots. They believed blueberries were a divine intervention to ease hunger during tough times.

Fast forward to the early 20th century, where a power duo, Elizabeth White and USDA botanist Frederick Coville, took it upon themselves to domesticate the elusive blueberry. It took some trial, error, and a lot of determination, but in 1916, the first commercial crop of highbush blueberries hit the market. Blueberry fever ensued, and the rest is berry history!

If you want to witness the birthplace of the blueberry craze, head to historic Whitesbog Village in New Jersey—it’s a berry lover’s paradise. And guess what? New Jersey proudly claims the blueberry as its state berry, leaving Maine in the blueberry dust.

Now that you’ve taken a delightful stroll through the blueberry patch with me, why not extend the berrylicious journey? Check out our complete guide to growing blueberries at Food Gardening Network. Happy berry adventures, my fruit-loving friends! ❖