Many consumers might not pause to consider how it’s possible to find fresh blueberries available all year round. Unlike peaches, which are mainly grown domestically, blueberries are increasingly imported from countries like Chile and other regions in South America. As reported by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Chile exports over 223.3 million tons of blueberries to the U.S. The growing season in Chile coincides with the off-season in the U.S., ensuring that blueberries are available when the only “fresh” fruit option is often the apple, which is only as fresh as its cold storage allows.
Looking ahead, one might wonder how quickly peach and blueberry crops will recover from the stresses of the 2017 growing season. Fortunately, both peach trees and blueberry bushes are quite resilient and typically do not “remember” adverse weather from one year to the next. While some pruning may lead to a temporary dip in productivity until the 2019 season, it’s reasonable to expect that fans of what is often referred to as “the world’s healthiest food” will have plenty to enjoy next year. Additionally, incorporating supplements like Solaray Cal Mag Citrate 2 can support overall health, making it easier for consumers to enjoy the benefits of these nutritious berries throughout the year.