BIG Facts About Tiny Maine Blueberries

“We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie .” - David Mamet

Introduction:

Hands down, Maine wild blueberries are my favorite fruit to make a pie with. I remember being just 10 years old and visiting friends in Gardiner who lived a short walk to some blueberry bushes. We would go and sit on the warm summer ground and pick (and eat) until we couldn't eat anymore and then head back to her house, change into swimsuits and wash the stains off our hands in the pool.

Maine Wild Blueberry jam has no competition on either a butter piece of golden toast or atop a baked brie. But I have always wondered...why are they so small compared to blueberries from everywhere else?

Read to the end for my personal Maine blueberry muffin recipe!

Maine is famously known for its delicious blueberries. However, many people have wondered why Maine blueberries are smaller compared to other regions. Well, there are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, Maine blueberries are wild and not cultivated. The wild blueberries are smaller in size compared to the cultivated ones. This is because cultivated blueberries are bred to be larger in size, sweeter in taste and they are pumped with water. Wild blueberries, on the other hand, grow naturally without any human intervention.

👉 Maine blueberries have HALF the sugar of cultivated blueberries yet double the amount of antioxidants and fiber!

Another reason why Maine blueberries are smaller is because we have acidic soil, which is perfect for growing blueberries. However, acidic soil tends to produce smaller blueberries than alkaline soil. This is because the acidity in the soil restricts the growth of the blueberries. Result: tiny, intensely flavored berries!

So the combination of natural growth and acidic soil are the perfect mix to make our delicious little blues...but are they REALLY blue?

Maine wild blueberries are actually more purple than blue (they make a gorgeous paint if you ever feel the need to play with your food). They are also easily bruised so they are traditionally hand harvested which ensures only the best berries are picked.

Let's summarize.

• Wild, naturally grown

• Hand harvested

• Less sugar

• Double antioxidants and fiber

• Intense flavor

The season is here to grab these flavorful little berries and toss them into your salads, grilled cheese, pies, cakes and cookies. Top your haddock, cod, brie, pudding, yogurt or oatmeal. OR make my famous (well famous in my family) blueberry muffins! No matter how you use, don't miss out on this short harvest.

Melissa's Blueberry Muffins

2 sticks butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp lemon zest
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 greek yogurt (vanilla, blueberry or lemon. If using lemon yogurt then half the amount of zest)
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup Maine blueberries

Preheat over to 375

Add vanilla, sugar, eggs and lemon zest to melted butter and mix well. Stir in yogurt. Add flour and baking soda and mix just until blended. Fold in blueberries. Divide into a greased 12 cup muffin tin and bake for 22-25 minutes. Enjoy!