ST. PAUL, Minn. – It’s full blown berry season in Minnesota. Raspberries and blueberries are ripe and ready at farmers’ markets and pick-your-own farms in southern Minnesota and in the next couple of weeks they’ll be plentiful in the northern part of the state.

Because picking conditions vary from farm-to-farm and from day-to-day, Minnesota Grown program spokesman Paul Hugunin recommends calling ahead before heading out to the berry patch to confirm picking conditions and berry availability.

“Across the state, the length of the strawberry season varies from north to south so it’s good to check out the availability of homegrown berries in your area,” said Hugunin. “While strawberry season is wrapping up in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota, the season is ramping up at farms and markets in northern Minnesota.

Blueberries are gaining in popularity in Minnesota as more and more consumers are learning about the health benefits of this tasty fruit that has high amounts of disease-fighting antioxidants.

Minnesota blueberries are unique to anything you will find in your grocery store, says Thaddeus McCamant, specialty crop instructor at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.

“Because Minnesota blueberry bushes are hybrids between high bush and low bush species, it makes for a more robust and delicious tasting blueberry,” McCamant says.

With a quick visit to www.minnesotagrown.com, you can locate the berry farms nearest you by entering your zip code in the Minnesota Grown Directory. You can also sign up for the Pick of the Month newsletter to learn more about what is fresh and in season, along with recipe ideas on how to use your locally grown produce.

CONTACT: Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator, 651-201-6131

www.mda.state.mn.us/news/releases/2009/nr-2009-07-09-berries.htm