We are fortunate to have a pick-your-own blueberry farm locally and enjoy going frequently during blueberry season to indulge our love of blueberries. To find the tastiest and juiciest blueberries, I have found that it is best to select berries that have their color fully developed to that all-over deep purplish-blue with no traces of red or burgundy coloring on the berries. Also try to select berries that are large and very plump, but yet still firm. These will be the sweetest from the bushes.
Avoid any berries that have any wrinkles or are in the least bit soft. They are past their prime. Avoid berries that haven't fully developed their color because they will be less sweet and may even be bitter tasting.
If you aren't fortunate enough to be able to pick your own berries, carefully inspect the baskets of market berries, checking for the right color to indicate full ripeness, and making sure the berries aren't wrinkled, indicating that they are past their prime. Also check the basket to make sure there aren't any juice stains, because that could indicate that there are crushed berries inside the basket, hidden from view. Crushed berries often mold before you can purchase them. Fresh produce is too expensive to throw any of it away because it can't be eaten or enjoyed!
Source: Years of blueberry picking and eating!
By Jill from NW Florida
