Celebrating National
Blueberry Month
Delicious, nutritious blueberries are so iconic that the entire month of July is dedicated to celebrating these beloved boosts of blue. So, what is National Blueberry Month? Keep reading to find out.
Mark Your Calendars: July Belongs to Blueberries
July is the best month of the year – we’re commemorating our nation’s founding and celebrating the role of blueberries in nourishing countless generations of Americans. Since its introduction in 1974, National Blueberry Month has offered us an opportunity to pause and enjoy the simple, delicious and nutritious goodness in every boost of blue.
While much has changed in the last 50 years, the timeless appeal of blueberries has not. You can enjoy them all day long, fresh or frozen, in sweet or savory recipes. It’s always a good time to grab a boost of blue – just ask our growers!
“As an industry veteran, National Blueberry Month is a fitting celebration of the tremendous growth over the last several decades – not just in production, but in the demand and excitement we see from blueberry fans. The world loves blueberries, just as we do!”
– Art Galleta, Atlantic Blueberry Co (NJ), USHBC Past Chair
“National Blueberry Month honors the strong foundation that growers like Art built for the blueberry industry, while celebrating what’s to come – more varieties, more health learnings, more boosts of blue for blueberry lovers near and far.”
– Ellie Norris, Norris Blueberry Farm (OR), USHBC Delegate Alternate – Western Region
National Blueberry Month 101
Blueberries get a lot of love from fans – but did you know they’re recognized by the federal government as well? That’s what we call a very official boost of blue!
1974
The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives pass a joint resolution recognizing July as “Blueberry Month.”
President Richard Nixon calls on all Americans to “observe that month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”1
2003
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) further establishes blueberries’ place on the calendar, proclaiming July “National Blueberry Month” to “promote the greater appreciation and use of highbush blueberries.”
USDA also shouted out blueberries’ nutrition benefits – “low in calories and fat and a good source of fiber.”
2020
The role of blueberries in Americans’ lives is reaffirmed when the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives pass a joint resolution designating July as “National Blueberry Month.”
The resolution recognized “the importance of the blueberry industry to the United States,” including the many contributions of growers and their families.2
What’s Your Blueberry IQ?
Boost your blueberry knowledge with these fun facts and trivia!
History
- Origin Story: Blueberries date back 13,000 years in North America! Native Americans used them for medicinal purposes and flavoring – the first to recognize their versatility and health benefits.
- Delicious Legacy: Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville, a USDA botanist, produced the first crop of cultivated blueberries at Elizabeth’s family farm, harvesting the first commercial crop in 1916.
Presence
- On the Map: In the U.S., farmers in 26 states produce blueberries commercially.
- In the Culture: The blueberry emoji made its debut on keyboards worldwide in 2020!
Growing Season
- In the Field: Highbush blueberry bushes can grow up to 12 feet tall, but most peak at about 6 feet. Cultivated properly, they can live up to 30 or even 50 years!
- In Bloom: Blueberries start as white blossoms that produce berries when fertilized. As they ripen, they go from green to pinkish-red and then silvery-blue.
Convenience
- Always in Season: Blueberries are available year-round thanks to growers in North and South America. It’s always summer somewhere!
- Stocked Pantries: You can store canned blueberries for 2 years and unopened dried blueberries for 10 years. (But who can wait that long?)
Health Benefits
- Always in Season: Blueberries are available year-round thanks to growers in North and South America. It’s always summer somewhere!
- Stocked Pantries: You can store canned blueberries for 2 years and unopened dried blueberries for 10 years. (But who can wait that long?)
Baking Hacks
- Baked Treats in Blue: When baking, add a little lemon juice to your mixture to bring out the blue tones in your dish.
- Polished Presentation: Minimize streaking by gently folding blueberries into your batter at the end of the mix cycle.