Blueberries are native to North America, and the United States is the world's largest producer of blueberries. Blueberries have been around for more than 13,000 years. In Washington State the first plantings were established over fifty years ago, and the industry has grown quickly with increased consumption for the nutrition and health benefits. In 2014, over 80 million pounds of WA blueberries were harvested in a total of 9,000 acres.
Blueberries are harvested during the summer, usually between July and September in WA. Blueberries grow on a bush and are harvested 2-5 times during the season, as all berries do not mature at the same time. Blueberries freeze well, and you can enjoy frozen blueberries during the off-season.
Sources: Washington Blueberry Commission; National Agricultural Statistics Services (NASS); and U.S. Blueberry Council.Posters:
- Harvest of the Month Poster [PDF] for mixed frozen berries in February with nutrition facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
- Featured item poster [PDF] for blueberries with space to fill in menu item and farm name - from Whatcom Farm to School
Flyers and handouts:
- The Highbush Blueberry Farm to School Playbook is packed with free resources, activities, recipes, and more for students and teachers.
- Fresh from the Farm Blueberries brochure [PDF] with recipes, nutrition facts, and buying tips - from WSU SNAP-Ed
- Educator flyer [PDF] on mixed berries with student activities, reading list, facts and other info - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Seed to plate resource kit with gardening guide, nutrition facts, recipes, and more - from Seeds to Success by LSU
- Handout [PUB] customizable for your school for teachers, students, and staff when you showcase Washington grown berries - from WSDA Farm to School
Images and presentations:
- Item Image for Harvest of the Month bulletin board - from Seattle Public Schools and Public Health King County
- Powerpoint presentation [PPT] with blueberry facts - from Whatcom Farm to School
