Frequently Asked Questions
blueberries4you.com
Blueberry Ridge Farm
Why are blueberries good for you?
Research indicates that adding half a cup of blueberries to an average daily consumption of fruits and vegetables, an individual would essentially double their bodies antioxidant level.
Is the blueberry a native plant to North America?
The blueberry of the genus Vaccinium, is a Native American species. In fact the blueberry is one of the few fruits native to North America.
What is Vaccinium?
Vaccinium is the family of all blueberries and includes over 450 plants. At Blueberry Ridge Farm we concentrate on variety, V. corymbosum (Northern Highbrush). They're grown in the wild in North America and were used to cultivate our modern highbush.
Who produces the most blueberries in the world?
Currently, North America is the world's leading blueberry producer, accounting for 90 percent of it's production.
How do I properly freeze fresh blueberries?
After you pick your fresh blueberries, place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Be sure to not wash the blueberries before freezing. After they are frozen, transfer them to an air tight plastic freezer bag or container and store in your freezer. When you are ready to use your blueberries, take them out and wash them prior to using them.
What is a mummy berry?
A disease only susceptible to blueberries caused by a fungus (Sclerotinia vaccinii) characterized mainly by a cream colored or brown shriveled fruit.
How do I bake a two pound organic gourmet Blueberry Ridge Farm pie?
- Preheat oven at 400º
- Remove pie from wrapper
- Tent foils and cover loosely over pie
- Place pie on cookie sheet in center of oven
- Bake pie 90-100 minutes or until filling is bubbling
- Internal temperature is 165º when thermometer pops up
- When pie filling is bubbling remove foil tent and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until crust is golden-brown
- Remove pie from oven and pull out pop up thermometer
- Cool pie for for 3 hours on wire rack
- You can refrigerate for up to 3 days
Baking Tips:
- Ovens may vary. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- Since our pies are filled with luscious ripe fruit, juices may bubble over, cover cookie sheet with foil for easy clean up
How do I soften dried blueberries?
- Salads: Cover dried blueberries in salad dressing overnight.
- Boiling water method: Cover dried blueberries in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Fruit juices: Cover and soak the dried blueberries in juice overnight and place in your favorite recipe the following day.
Storage:
Preparing for the freezer – place unwashed blueberries on cookie sheets, When frozen pour into zip lock bags. If desired can wash blueberries after removing from the freezer to place in your recipes.