Posted on July 12, 2016 at 8:46 AM by Victoria Mulherin
July is National Blueberry Month
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, July is National Blueberry Month! Native to North America, blueberries are grown in 35 out of 50 states. That translates into supplying roughly 95% of the entire world’s crop. The largest blueberries in the world were developed and are raised right here in Burlington County! Today, Burlington County remains the second-largest producer of blueberries nationwide!
With flavors ranging from puckery tart to mildly sweet, blueberries are in full seasonal swing somewhere from April through October, but July is prime blueberry season. (They can also be enjoyed frozen or dried at other times of the year.) Experts often include blueberries in their Top 10 Lists of the healthiest foods. That’s because, like many fruits, they are rich in fiber, low in calories and boast Vitamin C and other important antioxidants. Blueberries get their deep purple-blue color from anthocyanin pigments that have long been thought to have health benefits.
Want to enjoy the history behind Burlington County and blueberries? Join the Maple Shade library for an event that takes you back in time - A History of Elizabeth C. White and the Development of the Cultivated Highbush Blueberry. The first commercial crop of blueberries was sold in 1916. Learn the fascinating history of the development of this fruit and the industry.
Date: Thursday, July 14
Time: 6:00 PM
Address: Maple Shade Library, 200 Stiles Ave
Contact Number: 856-779-9767
Registration: Required