Georgia Blueberry Month

History of Georgia Blueberry Month

Fresh, delightful blueberries are harvested from May to July in Georgia and canned and frozen blueberries are available around the year in most superstores and grocery shops. Home to some of the country’s greatest blueberries, the blueberry industry is thriving in the state of Georgia.

The ideal time to pick blueberries in Georgia is from mid-June to August, provided that the berries are ripe enough to harvest. This has a lot to do with the weather; there are some blueberry farms in south Georgia that open in mid-April, ahead of the harvest season.

In 2012, Governor Nathan Deal made June Georgia Blueberry Month, bringing the state’s most valuable fruit into the spotlight. The month is also peak season for Georgia blueberries, so visitors can try them out. Georgia’s Blueberry Commission works hard to promote the harvest month and its blueberries every year. Georgia ranks among the top five blueberry producers in the country, which is why it is such an important season.

The Blueberry Commission in Georgia was created in 2009 by the state’s Department of Agriculture, to support the education, research, and promotion of Georgia blueberries, and their growers. Cookbook authors, chefs, and bloggers are on board every year for the annual observance. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are a fantastic addition to most dessert recipes. They lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart diseases. The fruit is also full of fiber and has only 80 calories per cup.

Georgia Blueberry Month timeline

1944

Blueberry Breeding

The University of Georgia initiates a blueberry breeding program and releases 15 cultivars of rabbiteye blueberries.

1955

Georgia Blueberries Get Commercial

Georgia releases the first commercial-quality cultivar.

1970s

Grant for Georgia Blueberries

Federal grant money is approved for investing in mechanical harvesters and establishing the Georgia Blueberry Association.

2009

The Blueberry Authority

The Blueberry Commission is created in Georgia by the state’s Department of Agriculture.

Georgia Blueberry Month FAQs

When is Georgia Blueberry Month?

Georgia Blueberry Month runs throughout June 2026, celebrating the state’s leading role in blueberry production and harvest season.

How many blueberries does Georgia produce?

Georgia is consistently one of the top blueberry-producing states in the U.S., harvesting over 90 million pounds annually across approximately 20,000 acres.

What are the health benefits of blueberries?

Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K, known for supporting heart health, cognitive function, and boosting the immune system.

What varieties of blueberries are grown in Georgia?

Georgia primarily grows rabbiteye and southern highbush varieties, which are well-suited to the state’s warm climate and soil conditions, ensuring a robust harvest.

Georgia Blueberry Month Activities

Try Georgia’s blueberries

If you haven’t tried blueberries from Georgia, you are missing out! Purchase their fresh blueberries and taste the difference!

Go for blueberries picking

If you are in Georgia, look for local sites which allow blueberry picking. Make it an activity with your friends.

Try a new recipe

Try a new dessert or dish that uses blueberries as an ingredient. Get creative! You might just find a new favorite.

5 Fruity Facts About Blueberries

The fifth-largest producer

Georgia is the fifth-largest producer of blueberries in the United States.

Color detection

When blueberries turn blue, it is not advisable to pluck them immediately.

Blueberries were once called “star fruit”

North American indigenous people called the blueberry “star fruit” due to the five-pointed star shape at the end of the berry.

4,700 acres planted in Georgia

85% of all production of Georgia blueberries is in southeast Georgia.

Blueberry capital

Hammonton, New Jersey boasts itself as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.”

Why We Love Georgia Blueberry Month

Blueberries are yummy!

We love blueberries! Delightfully sweet and flavorful, we can’t get enough of the fruit!

Georgia’s finest fruit

We love it when states take pride in their unique offerings. Georgia is well-known for its blueberries and a whole month is dedicated to it.

Promoting local produce

Promoting local produce boosts the economy and creates awareness for consumers. Farmers should take pride in what they produce, and consumers should appreciate the efforts made by the farmers. A little kindness and appreciation always make a great impact.