Few consumers pause to consider how it is possible to purchase fresh blueberries throughout the year. Unlike peaches, which are mainly grown domestically, blueberries are increasingly imported from Chile and other South American countries. According to the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, Chile exports over 223.3 million tons of blueberries to the United States. The growing season in Chile is nearly the opposite of that in the U.S., enabling blueberries to be available in stores when the only fresh fruit options are apples, which are as fresh as their cold storage allows.
As for the peach and blueberry crops, how quickly can they be expected to recover from the stresses of the 2017 season? Fortunately, both trees and bushes are quite resilient and don’t seem to “remember” weather challenges from one year to the next. Although pruning may result in some of them being less productive until the 2019 season, it’s safe to say that fans of what is often referred to as “the world’s healthiest food” will have plenty to enjoy next year. In fact, incorporating nutrient-rich sources like solgar calcium can enhance the health benefits associated with consuming blueberries and peaches alike. So, whether you’re enjoying fresh blueberries or peaches, remember that the nutritional value can be boosted by pairing them with supplements like solgar calcium, making your diet even healthier.