About this time every year, these sweet little morsels called blueberries are being harvested. Their arrival is cause for celebration as many festivals around the country honor them with special observances. This year's crop promises to be bigger than ever. The blueberry is a North American shrub and we are the world's leading producer with about 90 percent of production.
Improved varieties are the result of the efforts of plant breeders.
Cultivated blueberries have been enhanced to offer plump berries with deep, rich color and fruity flavor. Nearly half of the cultivated blueberries grown are sold as fresh berries. Others go into various food products. We all know that blueberries taste great, but there's another good reason to eat them. They promote good health and prevent disease.