Sunday, August 17, 2008

Ahh...organic blueberries


Blueberries. Being a native of Michigan, blueberries and summer went together like ice cream and fudge. From blueberry festivals to spending hours picking berries in northern Michigan, Michiganders take pride in what could be called the state berry, the "blueberry". Ironically, as a child I wasn't a big fan of blueberries and actually preferred other berries (blackberries, strawberries and raspberries). Recently, I had some incredible organic blueberries and they were perfect -- both sweet and tart! Known for very high anti-oxidant properties, blueberries in August is a food experience you can't miss!!!

Now that I live in Minnesota, I was eager to find some local, organic Minnesota grown blueberries and came across a wonderful resource -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Minnesota Grown Online Directory. It was intriguing to learn that there are local organic blueberry farms which you can actually visit and pick berries. I have listed a few and certainly plan on taking my son to visit and do some picking....

Blue Heaven Berry Farm
located in Stacy, Minnesota which is about 40 miles outside of Minneapolis. They are also at the Farmers Market in Forest Lake, Minnesota on Tuesday evenings from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Berry Ridge Farm located in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Blueberry Patch located in Bagley, Minnesota and offer tours and picking.

Brambling Rows Berry Farm
located in Brainerd, Minnesota. Brambling Rows Berry Farm is a U-Pick berry farm. We have summer red raspberries, purple raspberries, black raspberries, fall red raspberries, blueberries, and grapes.

Bauer Berry Farm
located in Champlin, Minnesota. Just 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis.


Blueberry Fields of Stillwater located in Stillwater, Minnesota.

If you are looking for recipes, organic Naturipe Farms has posted many different berry recipes on their website.

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