Blueberry Harvest Plentiful And Ready On Time In UC

Upper Cumberland blueberries are plentiful and ripening on time for one Livingston farmer.

Mountain Harvest Farm Owner Clara Smith said the cold winter, a wet spring and then a hot summer made for a good harvest that is ready to be picked.

“They are looking good,” Smith said. “All this excess rain has made them swell up, so we got big berries, and we’ve got quite a few of them. We have to coordinate with people and tell them to call ahead for when they want to come.”

Smith said blueberries last several days on the counter and all winter long if frozen. Smith said only berries that are fully ripe should be picked.

“You just pick the very best, and then, you go on to the next bush,” Smith said. “Then in a day or two, more will ripen, and you can go over that bush again. So, you don’t pick it clean.”

Mountain Harvest Farm does not grow blackberries, but Smith said other farmers seem to be having the same results as her blueberries. Smith said those interested can visit the farm and pick fresh berries.

“We love to have kids come, and we have it mowed real pretty and clean so that the kids there can play and run,” Smith said.

Those interested in picking can visit the Pick Tennessee Products to find farms near you with available berries.