Burst of Blue

Speckles of blue dot the Washington landscape from backyard gardens to the farm fields of the upper Willamette valley.

Blueberries are meant now as a blessing of antioxidants known as a superfood in the nutritional world. They have earned this status easily as they provide vitamins C, K, and manganese, making them a well-loved summer crop. Their health benefits abound from decreasing inflammation and improving memory to lowering blood sugar and maintaining boosting heart health (2024, Washington Blueberry Commission).

Continuing the burst of production as the summer heat endures through July is easy. The acidity loving fruits will keep production peeking if deep watered weekly and top dressed in their favorite acidic treats. Mix spent coffee grounds into a quart of water and douse the plant base. Be sure to keep fir mulch deep around the diameter of the plant, as the acidic Douglas Fir offers the perfect pH treat for your blueberries.

Planting Borage, also known as comfrey, close by will help repel aphids, but also add trace minerals to the soil that your bushes will appreciate. Flowers and herbs that attract pollinators and function as a ground cover are much appreciated by blueberries too. These can include mint, lemon balm thyme and chives. For plants that quickly spread such as mint, growing in a pot nearby will still serve the purpose of attracting bees.

Blueberries are the sweetest if allowed to sit on the bush for a few days once they turn blue. The berry will become matte and juicy, perfect for your favorite recipe. In addition, they will stay fresh if left unwashed and refrigerated for at least a week.

Chutneys, pies, muffins, mojitos and more. The possibilities are endless and will leave you yearning for more. These sweet drops of sunshine preserve well and will last up to 6 months in the freezer. Dehydrating is a favorite option for granola and yogurt mix in too.

13,000 acres of blueberry varieties grace the Washington landscape according to the Washington blueberry commission. Fifty-five percent of Washington blueberries come from the western part of the state where the climate and timbered soils offer enticing habitat for production. Blueberries revenue across the United States valued $720.2 million, with a harvest of 673 million pounds in 2019 USDA production statistics (2023, USDA). Washington is at the forefront of production, valuing $228.4 million in 2021 and 180 million pounds produced.

Enjoy Washington’s tasty blueberries in a treat by celebrating this super food growing in our Washington landscape with this quick and easy recipe to boost your blueberry diet this summer.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

½ cup Blueberries, frozen

½ Banana, frozen

2 TB Rolled Oats

1 TB Flax or Chia Seeds

1 tsp Cinnamon

Milk of choice

Honey to sweeten if desired.

Add all ingredients to a blender, putting wet ingredients in first. Mix everything on high speed until a rich, smooth, and silky texture is reached. If it is too thick add more milk and blend again. Add raw honey if a sweeter taste is desired. This can easily be poured into a popsicle mold and frozen for a delicious treat to enjoy as well.