Blueberries are not only delicious, they contain more antioxidants than most other fruits and vegetables
Harvest: Blueberries
Learn all about the blueberries grown in Hillsborough County.
When are fresh Hillsborough County blueberries available at local groceries and farm stands?
April and May, and in some years as early as February and March.
What type of blueberries are grown commercially here?
Southern highbush and rabbiteye.
Where are blueberries most commonly grown in Hillsborough County?
Countywide
How many acres are planted with blueberries?
591 in 2012 (most recent year for which statistics are available).
How many pounds of blueberries are harvested?
About 2.2 million pounds annually in Hillsborough County.
Interesting info
The yummy berries might help prevent cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's.
Local insight
West-Central Florida might hold the most promise for expansion of blueberry farming in Florida. About 35 percent of the state's crop is grown in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, and Orange counties. Blueberries are a popular commodity at area U-Pick farms.
Homegrown Hillsborough is also the name of the food system program coordinated by our Extension Services department.
Homegrown Hillsborough is a network of community members with the mission to grow a strong food system. The vision is to create an integrated food system that is diverse, reliable, and creates opportunity for active participation.
Homegrown Hillsborough will act as an educational and community development initiative with a focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship, and agricultural production that will strengthen the relationship that Hillsborough County residents have with their food.