Cultivars that ripen after mid-September are rarely grown in the Pacific Northwest because wet weather often makes the harvest of sound fruit difficult. The following cultivar descriptions are intended to serve as an aid in choosing cultivars. Susceptibility to disease and cold hardiness should also be considered. Some cultivars are suitable for both the fresh market and processing. Very dark berries may be unattractive for the fresh market as they appear overripe.
Firm berries handle better and keep longer than soft ones.
The scar, or point of attachment of the fruit stem to the berry, should be small and dry and should not tear when the berry is picked. If the scar tears easily and is moist, the berries have a very short shelf life. Cultivars differ in fruit quality for a processed product. If fruit is to be machine harvested, choose suitable cultivars. Berries should hang on the bush for a period of time, but drop off once the mechanical harvester shakes the bush.