Maine is renowned for its wild blueberry industry, which accounts for nearly all of the world’s commercial supply of the wild variety. This small, intensely flavored fruit holds a significant place in the state’s culture and economy, even being designated as the official state fruit. The harvest is a summer phenomenon that draws attention from across the country for its unique flavor. The timing of this annual crop is highly anticipated by both commercial growers and consumers.
The Primary Harvest Period
The window for picking Maine’s wild blueberries opens in late July and extends through early September. The peak of the season, when the berries are most abundant and sweetest, is August. This short, bountiful period is dictated by natural factors and local geography.
The exact start and end dates fluctuate each year based on winter snow cover, spring temperatures, and summer rainfall. Fields in warmer southern Maine or coastal areas may ripen slightly earlier than those in cooler, inland regions. Growers constantly monitor the fields, as the commercial harvest begins only when the berries achieve optimal sugar content and color.
Distinguishing Wild and Cultivated Varieties
Maine’s fame is tied to the lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium. These plants grow close to the ground, reaching a height of six inches to two feet, and spread naturally through underground stems called rhizomes. This contrasts sharply with the highbush varieties, Vaccinium corymbosum, which are cultivated elsewhere and grow on tall shrubs up to twelve feet high.
The small size of the lowbush berry is linked to its concentrated flavor and nutritional advantages. Wild blueberries are much smaller than cultivated counterparts, resulting in a higher ratio of skin surface area to fruit pulp. This increased surface area means a greater concentration of anthocyanins, the flavonoid pigments responsible for the deep blue color and antioxidant activity. The intense, naturally sweet-tart flavor of the small, dark wild berry is preferred for baking and preserves because it holds up better than the milder taste of the larger, cultivated fruit.
Accessing the Harvest
There are several ways to purchase or pick the fresh crop. Many farms, particularly in the traditional growing region of Down East Maine, offer U-Pick operations where the public can harvest the berries themselves. These operations often provide the traditional wire-tined rakes used to gather the low-growing wild berries.
Roadside farm stands and local markets are plentiful during August, selling fresh-picked berries by the pint or flat. While highbush varieties are more common at some U-Pick farms further south, the unique experience involves visiting one of the barrens known for the wild, lowbush crop. Checking with local growers directly confirms daily picking conditions and the current availability of fresh fruit.