Kent Kreek Berries -FAQ's

Kent Kreek Berries

"Only The Berry Best"

Blueberry Trivia:
• Blueberries are native to North America and related to the European Bilberry
• The pale blue powdery coating is a natural protective coating (wax) called “bloom”
• Blueberries where introduced to early settlers by the North American Indians.

Ontario Highbush Blueberries

• Ontario Highbush Blueberries are in season for about 6 weeks from late July until early September.
• Ontario Highbush blueberries are grown mainly in Southern Ontario.
• Highbush blueberries are bigger and juicer than low bush varieties.
• Ontario Highbush Blueberries are easy to pick as bushes are 4-6 feet in height when mature and have no nettles or thorns.
• They are easy to prepare, eat and enjoy as there is no peeling, pitting, coring or de-stemming required.
• Enjoy Ontario Highbush Blueberries all year round as frozen berries can be used to make jams, puddings, pies, muffins, pancakes, sauces, syrups and wine!

How to pick Highbush Blueberries:
• Look for powdery blue clusters of blueberries on the branches, Hold the branch in one hand and with the other hand gently pluck or roll the berries off with your fingers tips. It's that easy.
• Don't pick the green or red berries as they still need to ripen.
• Don't squeeze the berries as they may bruise or split.
• Place your fresh picked berries in a container out of direct sunlight to help keep them fresh.

How To Store Fresh Picked Ontario Highbush Blueberries:
• Do not wash blueberries before storage as wet berries will spoil quickly.
• Stored in a refrigerator they will keep up to 10 days or longer.

How To Freeze your Fresh Picked Blueberries:
• Place dry blueberries in a single layer on a baking sheet and store in the freezer until solid (12-24 hrs).
• If you wash your blueberries pat them dry with a paper towel before freezing to prevent them from freezing together into clumps.
• Pour frozen berries into a sealed container once frozen.
• Store up to 1 year in the freezer.

Preparation of your fresh or frozen Highbush Blueberries:
• As with all fruits and vegetables, rinse and drain with water before use.

Links: Foodland Ontario: Frequently Asked Questions
Blueberry Council video clip

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