June Proclaimed Georgia Blueberry Month

Gov. Nathan Deal has designated June as Georgia Blueberry Month, highlighting one of the state’s most valuable crops. The month also marks peak season for Georgia blueberries, whose harvest lasts from late April through July, the longest in North America for the berry.

“Georgia is among the top five blueberry-producing states in the U.S.,” said Joe Cornelius, chairman of the Georgia Blueberry Commission. “We expect another great season, with about 60 million pounds harvested. Given the rate of production over the last couple of seasons, Georgia could become the second-largest blueberry producer in a few years.”

Formed in 2009 by the Georgia Department of Agriculture as a program to support research, education and promotion on behalf of the state’s growers, the commission offers a host of recipes as well as access to well-known cookbook authors and bloggers.

The health benefits of blueberries make them a great addition to almost any recipe. Full of antioxidants, Georgia blueberries can lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer. The fruit is high in fiber, contains no fat and contain only 80 calories per cup.