Blueberries enjoy worldwide popularity thanks to their sweetness and antioxidant-rich nutrition profile. But the bounty of nature alone is not enough to keep pace with the heavy demand for this tasty, healthy fruit. There simply aren’t enough blueberries to go around. So, success depends on the introduction of new cultivars to attempt to meet this demand.
In the United States, blueberries are the second-most produced berry.
Michigan has the reputation for being the leading state in blueberry growth. They produce an average of 100 million pounds of blueberries a year. Part of this growth and success is due to the different varieties of blueberries developed by James Hancock. He is an Agricultural Biotechnology Researcher (AgBioResearch) scientist at Michigan State University (MSU). This branch of biology centers around generating economic prosperity, advancing agriculture, and sustaining natural resources. The specific priorities of Michigan State’s AgBio program include food health and safety, climate adaptation, and resilient/profitable agriculture and natural resource systems. James Hancock has developed three of the world’s most widely planted Northern Highbush blueberry varieties: Aurora, Draper and Liberty, along with several other successful cultivars throughout his three decades at MSU. Varieties from Michigan State University are well-known across the world for their fruit quality and yield aspects.
Aurora Blueberries were developed by carefully crossbreeding certain strains to achieve certain plant qualities. These particular blueberries are large, beautiful, blue berries that have high yields and can grow in a variety of climates. It is a popular choice for both commercial farmers and those looking to grow their own blueberries at home.
Draper Blueberries are a newer variety of blueberries and are also known for their large size and delicious flavor. They are easily identifiable for their powder blue color and their firm outer texture. These berries grow best in moderate climates, like Michigan, as well as Washington and Oregon.
Liberty blueberries are known for their unusual ability to grow in colder climates and their flatter shape. This particular strain of blueberries is perfect for commercial planting and harvesting as it flowers and bears fruit quite early in the season, but the fruit has a longer ripening time.
A blueberry plant must meet a long list of qualifications to be deemed exceptional by Hancock, including flavor, color, firmness and size. The plant shape is also important to meet harvest techniques, whether mechanical or handpicked. Only about 1 percent of plants make it past the first round of evaluation. Once selected, the exceptional plants are sent to growers worldwide for additional evaluation—typically four to six years—before release to the industry for production. The perfect blueberry is high yielding and has a superior taste and aroma, which the Draper, Liberty, and Aurora all have.
Blueberry Facts.
- There are approximately 30 blueberry species.
- Michigan leads the nation in highbush production.
- MSU AgBioResearch’s Jim Hancock developed four blueberry varieties: Draper, Liberty, Aurora and Huron.
- Draper and Liberty are the most widely planted Northern highbush blueberry varieties in the world.
- Blueberries are one of the only fruits native to North America but are found on almost every continent.
- One of few naturally blue foods, blueberries don’t start out that way. They first appear white, turn red and finally blue, making them the “all-American” berry.
Blueberries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide notable health benefits. For example, blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which plays an important role in promoting heart health. The vitamin is also important to bone health and blood clotting. Blueberries are one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. While antioxidants aren’t necessary for your body to function, they help protect your body from damage by free radicals.
Eating blueberries regularly can help reduce high blood pressure in people with metabolic syndrome and protect cardiovascular health. The current hypothesis is that blueberries help the body produce more nitric oxide, which reduces blood pressure inside blood vessels and helps with smooth muscle relaxation.
Blueberries can help people with diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that eating blueberries regularly can help improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. Blueberries can also help reduce fasting blood sugar levels by nearly a third in people with type 2 diabetes, helping them to manage their blood sugar levels more effectively.
Add some to your daily diet. A serving of a half a cup has only 42 calories and they contain dietary fiber, which helps your digestive system run smoothly. And they taste great!
References:
Top Blueberry Producing State: Which State Grows the Most Blueberries? – Fruit Faves
Draper Blueberry Growing & Care Guide – The Garden Magazine
The Liberty Blueberry – Minneopa Orchards (minnetonkaorchards.com)
The Draper Blueberry – Minneopa Orchards (minnetonkaorchards.com)
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