Plump, juicy blueberries are not just delicious, they are one of nature’s superfoods. Blueberries are packed with essential nutrients, minerals, and health-boosting antioxidants, and they are high in polyphenols and fiber. Blueberries have become a very popular fruit being grown by farmers throughout the state of Florida.
According to BlueberriesfromFlorida, blueberry production in Florida has tripled in ten years and roughly 25,000,000 pounds have been harvested in the state this year, which has bolstered their popularity among local farmers. The Florida climate makes this possible, because there is a longer period when Florida can supply blueberries when no other region can. Blueberries in Florida ripen earlier which ensures that blueberries are available practically all year long.
According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, there are two main varieties of blueberries best suited for Florida.
The first is Rabbiteye (Vaccinium virgatum). Grown in the southeastern United States, Rabbiteye varieties are extremely adaptable, productive, and pest-tolerant. They require two or more varieties be planted together to ensure pollination. Recommended varieties include ‘Powderblue’, ‘Woodard’, ‘Brightwell’.
The second is Southern Highbush (hybrids of V. virgatum, V. corymbosum, or V. darrowii): Southern highbush varieties are harder to grow than Rabbiteyes, but there are a few high-quality varieties that do well. Among these are ‘Emerald’, ‘Windsor’, and ‘Springhigh’.
According to Almanac.com, blueberries can be grown from seed, but they require very precise instructions to be followed closely to be successful. Blueberry seeds are notoriously slow germinators. The first seeds take around six weeks to germinate and will complete germination over the next two to three months. New blueberry seedlings should be grown to 3 inches tall, then transplanted into individual pots. Growers must be very careful not to damage the blueberries tiny root systems. When they are about 8 inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted into one-gallon pots. It typically takes one to two years for blueberry seedlings to be ready for transplanting outside in the fall. Although plants will start producing berries when they are two years old, but they will not mature and offer maximum berry yield until they are at least seven years old.
Blueberry Pancakes
Ingredients
• 2.25 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1/2 cup)
• 2.38 ounces whole-wheat flour (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
Directions
1. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours and next 5 ingredients (through nutmeg) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Combine yogurt and next 4 ingredients (through eggs) in a small bowl; add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto a hot nonstick griddle or nonstick skillet. Top each pancake with 2 tablespoons blueberries. Cook 2 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked. Carefully turn pancakes over; cook 2 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned.