Each year in mid-July, our state has a community blueberry festival. That reminds us that July is the blueberry month. It is the best time of the year to harvest blueberries in Northern America.
Blueberries are usually grown from April to September across several colder planting zones. This tiny fruit is categorized by its height, the low bushes (about 1–2 feet) grows on planting zone 3 to 6, the half-high bushes (about 3–4 feet) grows on planting zone 3 to 5, and the high bushes (4–7 feet) grows on zone 4 to 7.
Blueberry is well known for its rich antioxidant content, which brings many health benefits to our bodies. Yet, only a few people know that the popularity of this tiny blue fruit is from a public-private partnership effort.
In the 1890s, Ms. Elizabeth Coleman White, a daughter of a New Jersey’s local cranberry farm, began interested in cultivating wild blueberry. Later in the 1900s, with the help of a USDA botanist Dr. Federico Coville, their blueberry production became successful and commercialized. During its first boom in 1942- 1962, blueberry cultivation spread across America and appeared in 13 states.
While fascinating in Ms. White’s inspiring story, blueberry’s rich micronutrient content and various blueberry festivals at nearby pick-your-own farms reminded us of a WELL feature.
“Strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption include behavioral interventions, such as increased availability and visibility of fruits and vegetables, pricing incentives to lower the cost of fruits and vegetables and promotion and support of community gardens and urban agriculture initiatives.” — WELL N01, Promote Fruit and Vegetable Visibility
On Blueberry Day, we design this card for those homemakers, thanks to them looking after homes and make fruits and vegetables so available at our kitchen tables.
By the way, if you are curious more about Ms. Elizabeth While, a webinar “Through Elizabeth’s Eyes” provided by Pinelands Commission will be a great resource to satisfy your big learning appetite.