Blueberry season in Michigan has extended well into September with the introduction of very late varieties. Picked up another box of Aurora berries today, probably the last of the season for us. Countless (really, lost count) vacuum sealed bags already frozen and stacked in our freezer… but fresh is best.
The farm we patronize has 12 varieties spread over 800 acres. One of many, many blueberry farms across the state. As we were leaving, we watched a machine harvesting a field after hand pickers had visited. Each bush grabbed by the machine and vigorously shaken. I’m told machine picking bruises the fruit, resulting in a lower shelf life. So these berries are destined to be frozen quickly.
Next week we visit an orchard for Honeycrisp apples. Nothing fresher than picked right off the tree.