Written and Published by BMT Foods, July 6, 2023
Wild blueberries are cherished for their exceptional taste and health benefits. Whether enjoyed fresh, frozen, or incorporated into various food and beverage products, wild blueberries offer a delightful way to enhance both the taste and nutrition of any meal.
Wild blueberries are a healthy fruit with many nutritional benefits.
Wild blueberries contain antioxidants, which are essential to fight the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and may slow down aging. Wild blueberries also contain anthocyanins, which make them blue, and are linked to improved brain function and cardiovascular health.
2023 Wild Blueberry Crop Outlook
So, what should you expect for the 2023 wild blueberry crop this season? Below are some of our market insights for wild blueberries this year.
Wild blueberries are typically harvested better the further north you are, so it’s no surprise that Canada and the Northern U.S. are two of the largest key growing regions. This year, the Spring growing season was challenging for Canada, with wildfires and very late frost into the month of June. There were real concerns that both of these environmental factors would affect this year’s wild blueberry crop, but the worst has seemed to pass. Both the wildfires and frost had minimal impacts on the crop’s growth.
Also in Canada, a normal season has been seen to-date in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In the U.S. state of Maine, a normal season is also underway, with a normal harvest expected.
This year’s wild blueberry crop is not without potential challenges. Drought is a distinct possibility as record-high temperatures have been seen throughout the northern U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the Canadian wildfires have not been extinguished, and the potential for them to grow continues. However, with more tropical weather systems expected, heavy rain may offset drought conditions for an optimal wild blueberry harvest.
Overall, the wild blueberry crop is expected to be between average and slightly above-average depending on region, with weather challenges under close watch. While there won’t be as large of a harvest as last year, inventories are high so volume should be pretty stable versus 2022.
Wild blueberries are loved as a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
The sweet-tart flavor of wild blueberries adds a unique taste to a wide range of dishes. From breakfast staples like smoothies and pancakes to savory dishes like summer salads, wild blueberries fit into many recipes, and are perfect for baked goods such as muffins and pies.
BMT Foods stands ready to meet your Wild Blueberry product needs. We offer Wild Blueberries IQF (Individually Quick Frozen), blueberry juice, and blueberry juice concentrate to bakeries and other food companies looking to produce muffins and other baked products. Please contact us today to learn more.
