NC expects bumper crop of blueberries

Blueberry lovers should have a tasty summer, according to Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.

While farmers had to carefully tend their berries during cold weather in the first quarter, their work is paying off, Troxler said.

"They have done an excellent job protecting the crop from frost this year, and overall, it is in very good condition. Consumers should expect fresh, N.C. blueberries from now through July,” he said.

North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in the nation. About 8,000 acres of blueberries are grown in the state. In 2016, blueberry production was valued at $66.9 million. Most of the blueberries grown in the state are sold to retail stores.

The State Farmers Market in Raleigh will host Blueberry Day on June 21. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can enjoy free blueberry dessert samples, fresh blueberries and recipes.

Blueberry lovers also can celebrate the season during the annual N.C. Blueberry Festival in Burgaw June 15 and 16. The weekend features blueberry cooking contests, a bike ride, barbecue cookoff, scholarship pageant and more.