Georgia Agricultural Resources: Commodity Facts

Blueberries

Rabbiteye blueberries are native to Georgia and compose most of our commercial production. Georgia ranks 7th in blueberry production and is exceeded only by Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington. Georgia has more than 4,200 acres of blueberries. Their 2001 production value was $23 million.

Blueberries not only taste great, but they're also a good source of vitamin C, iron and fiber. They're cholesterol-free, sodium-free and an important source of potassium. Best of all, blueberries contain only 80 calories per cup.

Blueberries contain a variety of compounds. These include: antioxidants, anthocyanosides, bacterial inhibitors, folic acid, vitamins A and C, carotenoids, ellagic acid and dietary fibers. The significance of their presence and modes of action remain largely unexplored.

Reasearch concludes that the antioxidents in blueberries help protect the body against chronic diseases associated with aging. The folic acid may help guard against cervical cancer and may benefit the fetus during pregnancy. Blueberries also help prevent urinary tract infections like cranberries.

Blueberries are harvested in Georgia from late-May through mid-July. In Georgia blueberries are grown commericially primarily in the southern part of the state. And some are grown in the North Georgia Mountains.

Under good management, blueberry bushes will produce some fruit the second or third year after transplanting. By the sixth year they will yield as much as 2 gallons each. The yield will continue to increase for several years as the plants get larger.

 

More Information

• Home garden blueberry information
• Grower information from the The Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium
• Weights and processed yields of fruit and vegetable in retail containers
• Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
• Contact the North American Blueberry Council:
  P.O. Box 1036, Folsom, CA 95763 USA
  Phone: 916/933-9399
  Fax: 916/933-9777
  E-mail: info@nabcblues.org

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