July is National Blueberry Month because it is the peak of the harvest season. Maine is the blueberry production capital of North America and produces almost 100% of all berries harvested in the country. Check out these other facts about blueberries:
- Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are truly blue in color.
- The blueberry industry of North America ships over 500 metric tons of fresh berries to Japan each year and over 100 metric tons to Iceland.
- Blueberries are naturally low in both fat and sodium.
- The berries contain more antioxidants than most other fruits or vegetables and may help prevent damage caused by cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
- Blueberries grow best in acidic soil at a pH of four to five and make a good container plant.
- Minnesota claims the blueberry muffin as its official state muffin and New Jersey claims the berry as its official state fruit.
- The annual harvest of North American blueberries would cover a four lane highway from Chicago to New York if spread out in a single layer.
Here are some of our favorite blueberry recipes: