When blueberries are “in season,” they offer peak flavor, quality, and local availability. While global trade provides fresh blueberries year-round, imports primarily come from South America during the North American winter.
The domestic harvest season offers superior freshness and abundance. The precise seasonal window depends entirely on where the berries are grown, shifting by several months based on geography and variety.
The General North American Blueberry Season
The domestic blueberry season in North America generally spans from late spring through early autumn, roughly April/May to late September. This expansive timeline is possible because production flows across the continent, moving from warmer climates to cooler northern regions as summer progresses.
The earliest domestic crops ripen in the southernmost states, creating the initial supply. The season reaches its peak volume during the height of summer, typically in July and August. By late September, the season tapers off as cooler temperatures arrive in northern latitudes.
How Regional Geography Impacts Harvest Times
The primary determinant of the local blueberry season is regional climate, creating a staggered harvest schedule across the continent. Production starts earliest in Southern States, such as Florida and Georgia, where the season can begin as early as late March or April.
These regions rely on low-chill varieties that require fewer cold hours during winter. Moving northward, the harvest shifts to mid-season areas, including the Mid-Atlantic states and California.
California’s harvest often begins by May and continues through early summer. The Mid-Atlantic region typically sees its blueberries ripen between June and August.
The latest crops are found in the Northern States, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Canada. States like Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and Maine do not typically begin harvesting until July, with seasons extending well into September.
Understanding Different Blueberry Varieties and Their Timing
Beyond geography, the type of blueberry cultivated plays a significant role in determining when the fruit ripens. Commercial blueberries are primarily categorized into three main types, each with a distinct maturity schedule.
Southern Highbush
The earliest to ripen are the Southern Highbush varieties, cultivated in warm climates, producing fruit as early as April.
Northern Highbush
The Northern Highbush is the most common commercial type grown worldwide, thriving in temperate zones. These are considered mid-season berries, typically ripening from June through August across the northern half of the U.S. and Canada.
Rabbiteye
The Rabbiteye variety is popular in the South due to its tolerance for heat and drought. It is typically a later-season bloomer, with its harvest extending into mid-to-late summer.
Lowbush (Wild)
The Lowbush, or wild blueberry, is usually the last to ripen. These smaller, intensely flavored berries are predominantly harvested in colder climates like Maine and Eastern Canada, peaking from late July into early September.
Maximizing Freshness During Peak Season
When selecting fresh blueberries during the peak season, look for berries that are plump, firm, and have a uniform deep blue-purple color. A dull, silvery-white coating, known as the “bloom,” indicates that the berries have been recently picked and handled minimally. You should avoid berries that appear reddish, as they were picked before full maturity and will taste sour.
Short-Term Storage
The most important rule for short-term storage is to keep the berries dry, as moisture accelerates mold growth. Do not wash them until immediately before eating. Store them unwashed in their original clamshell container or a similar container that allows for good air circulation in the refrigerator.
Long-Term Preservation
For long-term preservation, freezing is the best method to lock in peak flavor. Spread the unwashed, dry berries in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for a few hours. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight bag or container for storage. This “dry packing” method prevents the berries from clumping together.