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Growing Better Berries

Blueberries are the newest berry in the Driscoll’s family—we started growing them in the early 1990’s. Growing areas include Oregon, Washington, Florida, Central California, Chile and Argentina.

Our first variety was named “Wicked” due to its unique flavor profile. Every Driscoll’s berry variety receives its own name. Driscoll’s has now patented several blueberry varieties—which mean that only our independent farmers can grow them.

Every season, Driscoll’s flavor tests over 300 varieties and rates them on a hedonics scale, to determine the top 1% of varieties that will delight blueberry lovers. Only these hand-selected varieties are planted and sold under the Driscoll’s label. It takes 5 to 7 years to develop a new patented variety of Driscoll’s blueberries.

Selecting a Perfect Blueberry

When choosing blueberries, look for berries that are dry, plump, round and free of dents and bruises. Blueberries should have a soft, hazy white coating, which is called “bloom.” Bloom is a completely natural part of the berries’ defense mechanism and helps protect them from the harsh rays of the sun. Avoid blueberries that are shriveled or lack bloom.

Care & Handling

Blueberries taste best when kept chilled. Under ideal conditions, blueberries should keep for 5-7 days in your refrigerator. For best results, Driscoll’s recommends that you keep your blueberries dry in storage, and eat them as soon after purchase as possible. If you plan to freeze your blueberries for jams and jellies, remember not to wash your berries before freezing. Berries need to be rinsed just before use.

Blueberry Recipes

• Beef with Brandy Blueberries Flambé
• Blueberry Bread Pudding
• Blueberry Mint Lemonade
• View More Blueberry Recipes