TRENTON — Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus announced June 19 the Jersey Fresh blueberry harvest has begun, making the healthy and delicious official state fruit of New Jersey available at local farm markets and supermarkets.

“The arrival of the Garden State’s blueberry crop is always much anticipated by people here in New Jersey, throughout the Northeast and even Canada, who value the taste and quality of our berries,” said Secretary Kuperus. “Not only do Jersey Fresh blueberries taste good, but studies show they are packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and folate, which are important for good health.”

This year’s blueberry season comes after the state reached all-time highs in 2007 for blueberry production and value of production. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, 54 million pounds of blueberries were produced at a value of $90.2 million last year.

Despite the record-setting year, New Jersey ranks second in the nation in blueberry production behind Michigan, which produced 93 million pounds of the fruit in 2007.

The cool weather in New Jersey delayed this year’s harvest by a day or two compared to last year. The harvest began around June 16 for the Duke variety. Later varieties are expected to be available through August 15th.

The major varieties of blueberry grown in New Jersey are Duke -- named for one of the founders of Atlantic Blueberry Company in Hammonton -- and Blue Crop.

“This blueberry season looks like it will be superb, thanks to a mild winter, good spring weather and timely rainfall,” said Tim Wetherbee, Chairman of the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council.. “We are anticipating large blueberries with a slight increase in production over last year.”

The evidence is mounting as to the health benefits of blueberries. United States Department of Agriculture researchers found that blueberries ranked first in antioxidant activity in comparison to 40 other fresh fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful by-products of metabolism called "free radicals" that are associated with cancer and other age related diseases.

Blueberries also are a part of New Jersey’s agri-tourism industry, with pick-your-own farms in nine counties throughout the state. To find a pick-your-own blueberry farm or markets carrying Jersey Fresh blueberries, visit the Jersey Fresh website at www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov or www.visitnjfarms.org.

The Department offers these tips for selecting blueberries:

* Look for blueberries that are plump and fresh looking;
* Pay particular attention to their color; they should be blue, black, bluish-black or purple;
* Blueberries have a gray, waxy deposit on the skin called bloom. The bloom is a protective coating, so don’t wash blueberries until ready to use;
* Freeze blueberries on a cookie sheet and then place into a freezer storage bag;
* Blueberries spoil quickly if left at room temperature, but can be stored in the refrigerator for three days;
* Avoid containers that have juice stains on them, a sign the berries are crushed;
* Wrinkled fruit means they have been stored too long; while soft, watery fruit means the berries are overripe.