Bigger may be better when it comes to bank accounts and flat-screen TVs, but in the world of berries – in particular, the blueberry – the smaller, more intense ‘wild’ variety are definitely my top pick.
Don’t get me wrong, all blueberries are delicious and considered a superfood. The wild ones, which are about the size of a currant, are just a little more “super.”
Blueberries, in general, are nutritional powerhouses that have some of the highest antioxidant levels of any food. Anthocyanin is one of these antioxidants, and is responsible for their intense blue-purple colour. It is concentrated in the skin of the berry, and regular consumption has been linked to cardiovascular, brain, and eye health. Keep in mind as well that a cup of wild blueberries has more “skin” than a cup of their larger cultivated cousins.
There’s still more to wild blueberries than their health benefits, which is why picking these tiny gems has become a time-honoured tradition for those willing to drive north and put in an afternoon of hard work. But for those who want the reward without the sore back, we offer our annual Wild Ontario Blueberry Sale from August 18-31.
“These are coming from the Sudbury area, and the harvest will move around northern Ontario,” said Carmen Trimarchi, president and partner of Vince’s Market. “Picking these berries involves a lot of labour, but it is worth the effort. The flavour is really intense.”
Carmen points out that that wild blueberries, often referred to as “low bush,” are a different variety from cultivated (“high bush”). These are not only larger, but less perishable and can be more easily warehoused and shipped for year-round availability.
He also notes that blueberries can be semi-cultivated, which involves fertilizing the bushes, and occasionally burning them back (thermal pruning). It not only results in healthier plants, but reduces overwintering insects, fungus, and interfering weeds.
Wild blueberries must be used shortly after picking, or they can be frozen for pies and muffins later in the year. But such quick turnaround isn’t an issue for customers. “Our supplier deals directly with the pickers, and they’re delivered directly from the bush to our stores. That’s as fresh as you’re going to get.”
Drop by one of our stores for a variety of container sizes (from 500ml tubs to 11 litre baskets) while quantities last. There’s nothing like sprinkling a handful on your cereal or salad, in a smoothie – or enjoying them on their own.
— Neil
