When Are Blueberries in Season?

Blueberries bring a sweet-tart kick that’s hard to describe, and they aren’t bad in the health department either. We’re talking fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, all in abundance, plus one of the world’s most powerful sources of antioxidants. Juicy sweet and crammed with goodness – who could resist?

Blueberries are available year-round in most stores, but the American blueberry season runs from April to July in the South, June to October in the Midwest and Northeast, and April through October in the West. Prices spike a little in fall and early winter (from September to January), while actual sales reach their peak from April to August and enjoy another smaller increase in December and January.

Here, the grocery experts at Fetch take a closer look at the beloved blueberry to bring you the 411 on everything from picking the best berries at the supermarket to keeping them fresh once you bring them home.

Don’t have Fetch yet? With our app, you’ll earn points on all of your grocery purchases and be able to turn those points into free gift cards to your favorite retailers. So download our grocery app, start snapping your receipts, and get rewarded for the purchases you make in-store and online.

Where Do Blueberries Grow?

Blueberries can grow all over the United States – you’ll find farmers producing them commercially in 26 states, and most places can support bushes growing out in the wild. But the real production happens in just 10 states: Oregon, Washington, Georgia, Michigan, California, New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and Minnesota produce 98% of the blueberries you’ll find in stores.

Do Blueberries Grow On Trees?

No. If someone offers you “tree-grown blueberries,” do not engage.

Blueberries grow on a bush rather than a vine or a tree. Highbush blueberries are the larger and slightly less sweet variety, and they’re what most of us are used to enjoying. Lowbush blueberries are a touch smaller and sometimes called “wild blueberries.”

How Long Do Blueberries Last?

Blueberries can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, but you’re best off putting them in the fridge, where they can last up to two weeks, although though peak flavor and texture will start to decline after about a week. Throw them in the freezer (we’ll tell you how below), and your blueberries should last up to 10 months.

How to Pick Blueberries at the Grocery Store?

The perfectly ripe blueberry is a beautiful thing, but such perfection requires diligence during the hunt. Grab blueberries at random and you may end up with several less-than-delicious specimens at the bottom of each container. Not ideal.

Prime blueberries should:

• Be evenly sized
• Have smooth, unbroken skin without wrinkles
• Range from deep purple to almost black with a silvery blush
• Be dry, plump, and firm
• Lack any reddish tint (this means they aren’t fully ripe)
• Be free from stems or leaves
• Be in containers free from juice stains (these can indicate bruising in transit)

How to Wash Blueberries

Even store-bought blueberries are best washed before consuming. Water is just fine, but vinegar is better, not that it exactly extends the life of the berries. Its real purpose is inhibiting the growth of nasties such as bacteria and fungus, and that will make the berries themselves edible for longer.

Try this method when washing your blueberries:

1. Combine one part white vinegar with 4 parts water in a pitcher or bowl.
2. Soak blueberries for around 5 minutes.
3. Rinse with normal water to wash away any detectable vinegar flavor.
4. Tap them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Transfer them to a container lined with cloth or paper towel to soak up any of the excess moisture that can be such an enemy of fresh produce.

How to Store Blueberries & Make Blueberries Last Longer

Whether you’ve snapped up some blueberries at Whole Foods or picked some yourself at a local blueberry patch, they’re best refrigerated to last as long as possible.

The plastic container most blueberries come in is just fine, but you can also use a large uncovered bowl. The golden rule is to avoid storing fresh blueberries in airtight containers – you’ll only trap moisture and give mold and rot a jumpstart. For the same reason, blueberries are best stored in the main part of your fridge rather than cooped up in the crisper.

Freezing blueberries gives you a nearly year-long supply, provided you do it right. They need to be frozen quickly and evenly, so place your blueberries on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, then flash freeze for around 30 minutes. You can gently place them in a resealable bag once that’s done, removing as much air as possible from the bag and storing flat.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Blueberries can boost the health of your four-legged pal just as well as your own. This powerhouse berry is a common ingredient in healthy dog treats. They’re soft and easy to chew, and they don’t contain anything toxic to canines. That makes even whole blueberries a great low-calorie treat for dogs.

Can Cats Eat Blueberries?

Cats are obligate carnivores, so they absolutely need meat to survive and can get by on that alone. But they don’t have to, and small quantities of blueberries are quite beneficial as an occasional treat thanks to the vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants they contain. Two to three is an appropriate amount – just remember to cut them into small pieces before presenting to your little kitty cat for approval. 

Easy Blueberry Recipes

Blueberries are versatile as heck, and plenty of impressive blueberry dishes can be made from deceptively uncomplicated recipes. Here are just a few all-time favorites to add to your next shopping list using our handy grocery app.

How to Make Blueberry Jam

“Here, have some of my homemade blueberry jam,” says the confident kitchen-savvy domestic god or goddess as they slide a jar over to an awestruck friend…

That could be you (!), and all from a recipe that’s quick and simple.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh blueberries
• 1 cup of white sugar
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1 pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Recipe:

1. Mix your ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Cook on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool after the mixture has thickened (about 30 minutes)
4. Transfer to glass jars, then enjoy at your leisure.

How to Make Blueberry Syrup

Sweetly indulgent and ideal for serving with cornbread, waffles, buttermilk, or simply stirred into your morning oatmeal, here’s another blueberry recipe to whip up with only a few pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh blueberries
• ½ cup of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
• ½ cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Recipe:

1. Combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan and whisk together.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then add the blueberries.
3. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken and the blueberries start to burst.
4. Remove from the heat and serve up.

How to Make Blueberry Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When life gives you blueberries, make better lemonade. Seriously, you won’t go back. Adding blueberries brings a little extra sweetness and a tart kick to this summer classic, plus a gorgeous pink hue that just makes you crave more.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh blueberries (plus extra for serving)
• 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (takes around 6 thin-skinned lemons)
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 4 cups of water

Recipe:

1. Pop your blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and salt in a blender, then process for around 45 seconds until combined.
2. Pour into a large pitcher through a fine-mesh strainer, then discard the solids.
3. Stir in your water, then divide between ice-filled glasses and top with a few more blueberries for some added visual flair.

Use the Fetch Shopping App to Make Blueberry Season Even More Rewarding

Helping you save on groceries is second nature here at Fetch. All you need to do is download our shopping rewards app, snap a picture of every receipt, and start earning points on all your purchases, which you can then turn into gift cards that can be used on your next trip to the store for a fresh hit of flavor-packed blueberries.