Tale of the Two berries—strawberries and blueberries—are among the most important fruits. With more than $2 billion in annual farm gate sales and accounting for a 13-percent share of total production value of fruit, strawberries rank third for all fruit produced in the United States. In Maine, Wild blueberries contribute over 250 million dollars and over 2,600 jobs to Maine's economy each year.
“Wild blueberries have a special place in our state’s history, providing nutritious, delicious fruit for centuries dating back to Maine's tribal communities, who first cultivated the crop,” said Senators Collins and King. “Today, wild blueberries continue to be an economic powerhouse for the state’s economy, family businesses, and rural communities – not to mention a sought-after treat and baking staple for people worldwide. This bipartisan resolution honors the blueberry industry’s many vital contributions along with the generations of Maine people who have supported the iconic product. We appreciate our colleagues’ unanimous recognition of this fruit’s cultural and economic significance, and will continue to work to ensure a bright future for the industry.”
Every summer, people flock to farms to pick their own fresh berries. When autumn rolls around, they head to orchards for apple picking and pumpkin patches in search of the perfect porch gourd and, of course, capturing plenty of Instagrammable content along the way.
Pick-your-own (also called U-pick) farms might be widespread and ubiquitous now, but that hasn’t always been the case.
The concept first emerged during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when prices for fruit and vegetable crops reached historically low levels as war-torn countries began to recover and no longer relied on U.S. exports. Faced with the prospect of significant loss, orchard owners devised a clever solution, ads appeared in newspapers and on the radio: "Berries at a penny a pound. Pick them yourself."
Maine has hundreds of farms that offer pick-your-own fruits and veggies to the public. Berries (strawberries and raspberries and blueberries and blackberries) are the most common fruits you can pick, along with tree fruits and pumpkins later in the season.
Here are five compelling reasons to grab a basket and head to the fields to PYO:
1. Fresher, Tastier Fruits
Nothing beats the taste of picked fresh from the plant. When you pick your own, you're getting the ripest, juiciest berries straight from the source. Store-bought berries are often picked before they're fully ripe and then transported long distances, which can affect their flavor and texture. By picking your own, you ensure that you're getting the freshest produce at their peak ripeness, resulting in more flavorful fruit.
2. Support Local Farms
Picking your own is a fantastic way to support local agriculture. Small farms rely on community support to thrive, and by choosing to pick your own fruit, you're helping to sustain local farmers and their businesses. This not only keeps money within the community but also helps preserve farmland and rural landscapes, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same benefits.
3. A Fun and Educational Experience
Berry picking is an excellent activity for families and friends. It provides a fun outdoor experience where everyone can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. It's also a great opportunity to teach children about where their food comes from and the hard work that goes into growing it. Kids can learn about the growing process, from planting to harvesting, and gain a greater appreciation for fresh produce.
4. Health Benefits
Berries are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, and they also contain folate (vitamin B9) and potassium. By picking your own berries, you have access to these nutritious fruits, which can help boost your immune system, improve heart health, and provide essential nutrients for overall well-being. Plus, the physical activity involved in picking berries can be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
5. Eco-Friendly Choice
Choosing to pick your own berries can be a more environmentally friendly option compared to buying store-bought produce. Locally picked berries require less transportation, reducing the carbon footprint associated with their distribution. Additionally, many local farms practice sustainable farming methods, which can be less harmful to the environment compared to large-scale commercial farming. By picking your own, you're making a choice that benefits both your health and the planet.
This berry season, grab your basket, head to the fields, and enjoy the many rewards of picking your own.