Summer is the season of fresh Canadian produce and at Farm Boy, we’re all about getting you closer to the farm with the most local options available. We work directly with growers to provide you with the freshest, longest-lasting produce possible, including blueberries. Blueberry season in Canada takes place from mid-August to mid-September, although it could begin or end earlier or later depending on the climate and location of the berries. Typically, though, these are the times when blueberries are harvested and when berry farms open up to allow visitors to pick their own.
In Farm Boy stores during blueberry season, you can expect to find berries that are grown in Canada. (Outside of blueberry season or if the fruit provided is not up to our high quality standards, we source from international growers to best serve our customers.) From fruits enjoyed fresh in hand from our Produce Department to berries mixed into baked goods or transformed into jams, beverages, and more, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy this Canadian superfruit!
Where Are Blueberries Grown in Canada?
Highbush blueberries—also known as cultivated blueberries—are the ones you’ll find fresh. These berries are hand-picked by diligent workers and are harvested primarily in British Columbia and Ontario, as well as Québec and Nova Scotia. In fact, British Columbia grows 93% of all of Canada’s highbush blueberries! Lowbush blueberries—also known as wild blueberries—are usually frozen or otherwise processed into jams and juices, although we do also offer delicious fresh wild blueberries when they are in season. Wild blueberries are most commonly found in Québec and the Atlantic provinces, although the plant is native to Canada and can pop up almost anywhere!
Blueberry Varieties in Canada
There are two main types of blueberries in Canada: highbush and lowbush. While there is an extensive variety of different sub-cultivars of blueberries, they all fall under one of these two categories. Read more about highbush versus lowbush below! (Information about blueberry crops in Canada found at Statistics Canada and Canadian Food Focus.)
Highbush Blueberries
- The more common type of blueberry.
- Large and plump.
- Harvested earlier than lowbush blueberries and less perishable.
- Frequently sold fresh.
- Developed in the first half of the 20th century.
- Grown in British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia.
Lowbush Blueberries
- Smaller in size with an intense blueberry flavour.
- Crops flourish every two years.
- Commonly processed within 24 hours of picking and individually quick frozen to preserve texture, flavour, and nutrition.
- Native to North America.
- Grown in Québec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
How to Store Blueberries
A great way to store seasonal fruits throughout the year is to preserve them. There are many ways to preserve fresh blueberries, like dehydrating, jarring/canning, and freezing. If you’re planning to store your berries to use at a later time, here are some simple instructions for freezing and canning.
Freezing Instructions
- Do not wash your blueberries before freezing.
- Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen solid, about four to six hours.
- Transfer to a resealable freezer-safe container or bag.
- When ready to use, be sure to rinse your berries beforehand.
- Stored this way, berries can remain in the freezer for six to 12 months.
Canning Instructions
- Sterilize all surfaces, glass jars, and utensils.
- In a pot, prepare a simple syrup with water and sugar (2:1 ratio). Remove from heat once sugar has dissolved.
- Wash blueberries in cool water, removing any stems. Drain.
- Fill the hot, sterilized jars with blueberries. Gently shake them to allow berries to settle.
- Pour your simply syrup over the fruit, leaving ½-inch from the top of the jar.
- Eliminate any air bubbles by gently running a rubber spatula around the inside edge of the jar. Wipe the lip of the jar and securely attach your two-piece jam jar lids.
- Put the jar in a water bath. (For a water bath, fill a large pot with water, enough to reach 1-2 inches above the tops of your jar lids.)
- Once all your jars are in the water bath, bring the pot to a boil. Allow your jars to boil for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let water cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove jars from water bath and place on dish towel or cooling rack. As they cool, their lids will make a “ping” sound to indicate proper sealing.
- Allow to cool completely, then store in a cold, dry area.
- Preserves last between 12-24 months, unopened. Once opened, they should be immediately refrigerated and will keep for about six weeks. Make sure to check for any signs of smells of molds or spoilage before consuming. If you’re not sure, it’s best to discard it.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are exceptionally nutritious, whether they’re picked fresh or frozen to enjoy later. These fruits are a source of vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, making them a great choice to add to your diet, whether you’re mixing them into smoothies, throwing them on a salad, or eating them by the handful. According to BC Blueberries, these berries have been linked to lowering blood pressure and increasing brain health. They have also been shown to improve insulin response and may reduce the growth of certain cancer cells. For such a small fruit, they sure are mighty!
Our Farm Boy Blueberry Picks
Farm Boy™ Vegan Lemon Blueberry Loaf Cake
Any way you slice it, this cake is divine! Baked from scratch by us using wholesome ingredients and our own recipe, this sweet plant-based loaf cake will bring a fresh twist to breakfast or dessert. Studded throughout with wild blueberries and flavoured with real lemon, it’s a moist, decadent addition to your table.
Farm Boy™ Wild Blueberry Boom Ice Cream
You’ll want to scoop up this ice cream for a taste of pure Ontario sweetness! Handcrafted locally in small batches with 100% Ontario dairy, this variety features a rich cheesecake-flavoured base and a wild blueberry ripple made from berries grown in Prince Edward Island. It’s one of six in our gourmet ice cream lineup and a summery flavour we think you’ll love!
Farm Boy™ Flourless Blueberry Cheesecake
Get ready to wow sweet tooths at your next summer BBQ or picnic with this flourless cheesecake! Rich, dense, and decadent, this perfectly packable cheesecake is smothered in a juicy blueberry topping—ideal for summer. Complete with a crispy crust and a creamy filling, this iss an exclusive recipe made fresh by us for you to enjoy.
Blue-tiful Blueberry Recipes
Berries, Greens, & Buffalo Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients: apple cider vinaigrette, salt, pepper, tender greens, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, buffalo mozzarella, pumpkin seeds, fleur de sel.
The perfect summer salad has arrived! With creamy buffalo mozzarella, juicy berries, and a tangy vinaigrette, everyone will be asking for the recipe the next time you serve it. Visit our Produce Department for the freshest ingredients to add to this colourful dish.
Chef’s Tip: You can mix and match your summer fruits with this salad. One of our favourite combos for the season is peaches, blueberries, and blackberries.
Wild Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients: milk, maple syrup, unsalted butter, eggs, applesauce, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, chia seeds, walnuts, wild blueberries.
Bringing you closer to the farm with our hand-raked wild blueberries from Nova Scotia, this baked oatmeal recipe can be a wholesome breakfast or a satisfying dessert. Nutty, sweet, and juicy, it’s a delicious way to savour this summer superfruit.
Chef’s Tip: Cut this baked oatmeal into bars and freeze individually in parchment paper and a resealable bag or container for a convenient breakfast on the go.
Savoury Dark Berry Compote
Ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, sweet onion, thyme, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, blueberries, blackberries, water, salt, pepper.
For a dose of deliciousness you’ll want to share at your next picnic or BBQ, this flavourful compote is the answer. Pair it with creamy cheeses or use it to top burgers for a burst of summery berry sweetness with a savoury edge.
Chef’s Tip: Try this compote as a sauce for grilled pork. The deep, sweet berry flavours will complement a grilled pork chop.
More Blueberry Recipes & Dishes
Did you know?
- Blueberries are one of the only foods that are naturally blue in colour.
- People have enjoyed blueberries for more than 13,000 years.
- Canada is the second largest producer of blueberries and the largest producer of wild blueberries.
- The silvery bloom on blueberries is a protective coating and shouldn’t be washed off until you’re ready to eat them.
- There are over 50 varieties of blueberries.
- The heaviest blueberry on record weighed 11.28 grams and was 1.35 inches in diameter.
