Vermont Blueberry Picking Tips

Picking & Storing Fresh VT Blueberries

VTblueberry2 Vermont Blueberry picking can be a fun activity with family and friends. Here are some Vermont orchards and fields where you can purchase and/or pick blueberries. Vermont berry farms operate from spring through October in most cases. Contact the Vermont Farm or Farmstand to confirm the availability of fresh blueberries or picking hours. The peak blueberry picking season in Vermont is from mid-July – late August. Ask us about Vermont PYO Fruit or share comments. Feature your business, contact VTLiving.

Vermont PYO Blueberry Picking Tips

Allen Brothers Farms, 6023 US Route 5, Westminster, VT 05158 | 802-722-3395
We are a uniquely Vermont combination of practical and beautiful. We have an inhouse bakery featuring cider donuts, pie, cakes and cookies , a deli with signature Mac & Cheese, pizza and other warm options as well as made to order sandwiches, a country store filled with local Vermont products, locally grown seasonal produce with our own apples, corn, strawberries, and squash and pumpkins, a gas station, a nursery and garden center. Come and see what we have for you at exit 5 off I-91, easy off and on
Visit Allen Bros. Farms Website

The Dutton Berry Farmstands and Greenhouse, Route 30, Newfane, VT, Routes 11 & 30 in Manchester, VT, and Route 9 in West Brattleboro, VT | 802-365-4168
Dutton Berry Farmstands are well known for their Vermont grown produce and other unique local products. Fresh picked apples straight from our orchard are available throughout apple season. Stop in and pick up a jug of Dutton Berry Farm's fresh made apple cider, made from our home grown apples. Whether it is fresh farmer-grown fruits and vegetables, cider, Vermont maple syrup or plants, you'll enjoy visiting a true Vermont farm experience.
Visit Dutton Berry Farmstands- VT

Yates Family Orchard, 1074 Davis Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461 | 802-373-7437
Come pick 23+ different apple varieties, pears and plums! Visit the orchard stand for delicious, hot, out of the fryer, cider donuts, and baked goods. Try all-natural Vermont made creemee ice cream, raw pressed cider, and other yummy orchard treats. Shop for Vermont local raw honey, maple syrup, orchard made jams, Mt Mansfield Creamery cheeses, Eden Specialty ciders, locally grown mums, pumpkins, and veggies. Discover other Vermont products and artwork for sale. Bring a picnic, stay the afternoon and relax in the scenic beauty of the orchard. Open September through November everyday.
Visit Yates Family Orchard - Hinesburg

VTblueberry3 Blueberries are a tasty summer treat. A fun activity is to go and pick some yourself. It is a great way to spend the day with friends and family. In order to get the most out of your day and the blueberries here are some tips to keep in mind while picking and later storing all of those fresh blueberries you picked.

Blueberry Picking Tips

Choose only the berries that are completely blue with no hint of red. Blueberries do not continue to ripen after they have been picked.
Avoid any blueberries that are soft, moldy, or watery. A container that is stained of leaking are signs of berries that are past prime. The shimmery silver coating on the blueberries is a good thing as it is their natural protection.
Do not wash the blueberries until you are ready to eat them. This is because water on the berries will cause deterioration to occur faster.
Keep the freshly picked blueberries in the refrigerator and in a rigid container that is covered with plastic wrap. By taking these steps the blueberries should keep for about two weeks.
Consider freezing some blueberries for longer term storage. Blueberries are great for freezing, since they keep the majority of their nutritional value. Just do not wash them before hand as this will cause the skins to become tough. What you should do is rinse after thawing and before eating. In a freezer that is set at 0 degrees farenheit the blueberries should keep for about a year.Blueberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and make a great addition to morning yogurt shakes or cereals.

~ Megin K for vtliving.com