An early start to the blueberry season is delighting locals at Blueberries with Altitude, with ripe, juicy berries ready for picking weeks ahead of schedule following an unusual mix of weather conditions.
Owned by Greg and Bonnie Mulder, the family-run farm was purchased four and a half years ago and came with 300 established blueberry plants. While blueberries are a much-loved seasonal offering, the Mulders’ primary business remains Mulder Apiaries, producing queen bees, hives and honey.
“We bought the property four and a half years ago, ‘Blueberries with Altitude’ and 300 established blueberry plants came with the property,” Greg said. “Our primary business is Mulder Apiaries, producing queen bees, hives and honey.”
This year’s crop is particularly remarkable after the plants endured extreme winter conditions. Heavy snowfall in August flattened the bushes and buried them under tonnes of snow, testing the resilience of the farm’s infrastructure and plants.
“We were amazed this year at the resilience of the blueberries after enduring the massive snowfalls in August, flattening the bushes,” Greg said. “They managed to resurrect themselves once the collapsed netting was lifted off and after lots of hard work, the netting structure was rebuilt.”
While the tough start to the season resulted in a reduced crop, favourable rainfall and unseasonal heat later in the year have produced an abundance of high-quality fruit — and accelerated ripening.
“The snow and the hard start to the season has resulted in a reduced crop but since then, rain at the right times and lots of unseasonal hot weather has resulted in plenty of large, ripe juicy berries; but also ripening the crop three weeks ahead of the normal season,” Greg explained.
Traditionally, the blueberry season runs from late December through January and into February. This year, however, the Mulders expect a shorter window.
“A normal season runs from late December throughout January and well into February, so at present we think we would be lucky to make it till the end of January,” Greg said.
Picking times vary depending on weather and berry readiness and are updated regularly on the farm’s Facebook page. The berries are completely spray-free and are popular with visitors who return year after year.
“Our berries are totally spray-free and freeze exceptionally well so we have visitors who even come and pick their year’s supply of blueberries,” Greg said. “All ages enjoy being out in the field together, carefully picking the berries as the bushes appreciate the gentle touch.”
In addition to fresh berries, visitors can also purchase locally produced honey, including yellow box, white box and stringy bark varieties.
“It’s a great family outing that all enjoy with being in nature, the sunshine and the satisfaction of picking their own berries,” Greg said.
The farm also carries a limited supply of frozen berries and supplies a local restaurant. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 0474 883 502.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.