Blueberry Harvest to Start Soon

BLOOMFIELD, NY (07/12/2007)(readMedia)-- The fresh raspberry season is continuing in most parts of New York State, and another raspberry picking season will start in early fall on many farms. Consumers in New York also have another choice of berries to be found on many local farms.

Mid July in New York State marks the beginning of another berry harvest season – Blueberries! Blueberries can be enjoyed freshly picked, as a topping for cereal or ice cream, or in muffins or waffles. The freezer can be stocked with bags of blueberries that have been rinsed and initially frozen spread out on a baking sheet.

Blueberries rank number one in antioxidant activity compared to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products of metabolism called free radicals that can lead to cancer and other age related diseases. Researchers have also linked eating blueberries with a reduction in the build up of LDL or so called “bad cholesterol”. Blueberries fit well in a balanced, healthy diet.

And, by visiting a farm stand or visiting a u-pick blueberry farm, people can enjoy a trip to the countryside.

For more information on the nutritional values of blueberries, please go to the New York State Berry Growers Assn. Website – www.nysbga.org. There is also a link on the homepage where consumers can find a farm in their county or local area which has blueberries available for u-pick or sale.

Local growers listed on the website can give consumers an update on local harvest conditions.

Please visit the website, or contact the New York State Berry Growers Association at (585) 657 5328, or goodberries@frontiernet.net.