Blueberries are an all time favorite snack for many that pack a punch of sweet juices with every little bite. They contain lots of antioxidants, very few calories, and are said to have many health boosting benefits. Kids love their color and parents love how they are the perfect, healthy to-go snack. No wonder these little berries are so popular.

Blueberries are the only fruit in the world that are blue thanks to a special pigment called anthocyanin. The more pigment, the bluer the berry. The bluer the berry, the richer it is in antioxidants, vitamins, iron and magnesium. The blueberry bush is one of the few fruits that are native to North America, but not until the 1900’s did the first cultivated blueberry bush produce berries commercially. Before than, the only way to get blueberries was from the wild.

Peak season for blueberry harvesting is July which makes it the perfect month to celebrate. On Long Island, there are a few places to pick-your-own or pick up a fresh picked pint or two of blueberries. You might even get lucky with homemade blueberry ice cream, jams, jellies, and more.

Lewin Farms in Calverton offers pick-your-own fruit with a farm stand that offers local produce as well.

Bhavana Berries in Southold grows 6 different blueberries, all certified organic.

Patties Berries and Bunches in Mattituck has all the Summertime berries and don’t forget to try some of their homemade ice cream like lemon basil or chipotle raspberry.

Seven Ponds Orchard in Water Mill has the berries and the pastries.

Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue has blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and Apples in the Fall.

With all those blueberries you are going to need something to do with them. Head over to the library’s YouTube page and see what Chef Rob is cooking up. There are blueberry whoopie pies, blueberry crumble pancakes, and blueberry muffin cookies. For more yummy blueberry recipes click here.