re was a small error on the last Fruit of the Month“FRUIT OF THE MONTH” by Tom Del Hotal

Southern Blueberries - Vaccinium ashei & V. virgatum

Although many of us fruit growers no longer consider warm climate blueberries a "rare fruit", it was not so long ago that we thought that blueberries were only for colder, northern climates. Although most commercial blueberries still come from the northern states, there has become an ever increasing number of blueberry varieties available that are well suited to our warmer San Diego climate. These wonderful plants not only bring delicious fruit that are one of the "superfruit" for their health benefits, but are also highly ornamental with their beautiful flowers, lovely blue fruit and wonderful fall colors that develop on their foliage during the fall and winter. Although some varieties go completely deciduous and loose all of their leaves during the winter (especially in the colder areas of San Diego), many varieties stay evergreen and make a wonderful addition the ornamental landscape.

Southern blueberries fall into two main groups, the Rabbiteye blueberries (V. ashei)and the Southern Highbush blueberries (V. virgatum). Some of the newer varieties are hybrids of these two species. The rabbiteye blueberry is a species of blueberry native to the Southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. The plants mature to heights from 3 to 8 feet or more. Because it is not self-fruitful, two compatible varieties should be planted next to each other to maintain growth and fruiting. Rabbiteye blueberries require the least winter chill (perhaps 100 to 200 degree hours below 45oF) while some southern highbush cultivars may require more chilling. Southern highbush blueberries tend to be smaller plants then their rabbiteye blueberry cousins. They also tend to be more self-fruitful, but having more than 1 cultivar is recommended in order to get more and larger fruit.

Blueberries demand conditions that are not normally found in southern California. In the wild, blueberries are an understory plant preferring the areas where there is a break in the overhead canopy. Decaying leaves produce a highly acidic soil (4 to 4.5 pH) and conditions are usually moist. Blueberries are often found in swampy areas. In cultivation pH must be corrected to at least 5. This can be done by adding peat moss and/or leaf mold to the soil before planting. Incorporation of sulfur or aluminum sulfate is also recommended. Attention must then be paid to maintaining a low pH. In the more coastal areas of San Diego, these blueberries can be grown in full sun or in partial shade. In hot, dry areas they should be grown in partial shade or shade cloth may be necessary. All blueberries like moist conditions and should not be allowed to dry out completely or undergo drought conditions.

I have been growing these blueberries for more than 30 years and in that time I have rarely seen blueberries do well when planted directly into the soil in our area. For that reason, I always recommend growing blueberries either in containers or in raised beds. My recommendations are to generously amend the growing bed with peat moss and I frequently recommend a mix of 80% peat moss and 20% commercial cactus potting soil for an easy to obtain planting mix. Because this is a relatively sterile mix, I also recommend using an organic acid-type fertilizer and adding some mycorrhizae when planting blueberries. Kelloggs makes an excellent acid-based organic fertilizer that is widely available and this is my preferred fertilizer to use, although I am sure there are many other good fertilizers available. When selecting a fertilizer, pay attention to the nitrogen form contained and it is recommended that the nitrogen must not be from Nitrate as this can be deadly to blueberries.

Pruning blueberries is required for best fruit production and should begin in the second year after planting. Bushes are pruned to an open vase shape, leaving 4 to 6 large canes to form the vase. Fruit is produced from buds on 1 year old wood. Thin small canes and small fruiting branches to reduce over fruiting. Allow fruiting in the 3rd season after planting. After 4-6 years, remove and replace 1 or 2 of the oldest canes each year.

By selecting several varieties of blueberries, you can spread out the length of your harvest time. Blueberries do not ripen all at once. One variety may have berries that mature over a 4 to 6 week period. Here are some of the most popular blueberries available in nurseries today, listed by fruiting season.

RABBITEYE

Cultivar Fruit Season Comments

Aliceblue Very Early Medium-large fruit. Requires fewer hours of winter chill than most other varieties.

Beckyblue Very Early Medium to large, very sweet fruit. Along with 'Aliceblue', Beckyblue requires fewer hours of winter chilling than most other varieties.

Bluebelle Mid Large, dark fruit. Fruit ripens over a 3-4 week period. Excellent flavor and quality.

Bluegem Mid Medium-large fruit are slightly tart.

Bonita Early Medium-large fruit of excellent quality. Fruit store well.

Britewell Mid Medium to large fruit of excellent quality. Fruit ripens over a long period.

Briteblue Mid-Late Medium-large fruit of good to excellent quality. Fruit ship very well.

Choice Mid-Late Small to medium sized very dark fruit. Quality is very good.

Climax Early Medium to large fruit. Fruit ripen very uniformly over a short period. One of the leading pollinators for other rabbiteyes.

Delight Late Medium to large fruit are very sweet even if not fully ripe. Fruit have high sugar content and excellent flavor.

Powder Blue Mid-Late Large fruit with slight subacid flavor and distinct 'blueberry' taste.

Premier Early-Mid Medium-large fruit of very good quality. Fruit store very well.

Southland Mid-Late Medium-large fruit with good flavor. Fruit may loose quality towards the end of the season.

Tifblue Mid Medium to large fruit set the standard for all rabbiteye blueberries. Sweet and highly flavored.

Woodard Early-Mid Large to very large fruit are aromatic and considered to be one of the best flavored rabbiteye blueberries. Flavor is sweet but just slightly tart.

SOUTHERN HIGHBUSH BLUEBERRIES

Cultivar Fruit Season CommentsAvonblue Early Medium to large fruit are considered to be one of the best of the Southern highbush

varieties.

Cape Fear Early-Mid Very large fruit of good quality. Self-fruitful.

Challenger Early Large fruit of good quality. This variety is frequently used to pollinate 'Sharpblue'.Flordablue Very Early Medium to large fruit of good quality. Self-fruitful.Georgia Gem Early Medium sized fruit of good quality. Self-fruitful.Jubilee Mid Medium sized fruit of good quality. Self-fruitful

Misty Early Medium sized fruit of good quality. Self-fruitful

O'Neal Very Early Very large fruit with excellent firmness and good quality. Earliest ripening of the highbush varieties. Self-fruitful.

Ozarkblue Late A Southern/Northern Highbush Blueberry hybrid selected in Arkansas. Large berries with an outstanding flavor. May require chill hours of approximately 500 hours. Variety needs to be tried in low chill areas.

Sharpblue Early Fruit medium to large of very good quality. The number one Southern highbush variety planted in Florida.

Southmoon Mid A new introduction from Florida. An exceptional berry with superior flavor.

Sunshine Blue Mid Medium sized fruit of good quality. Appears to tolerate soils of higher pH than all other southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries.

Blueberries have incredible nutrition and health benefits. From their rich color to their amazing qualities, blueberries can provide you with stronger and healthier cardiovascular health, brighter vision and healthy brain function. Plus, a trimmer waistline. Take a look at these impressive reasons below for the facts as to why you should include this powerful berry in your daily diet.

Number One - Studies show blueberries help eliminate belly-fat.Blueberries are proven to whittle away belly-fat. Recent studies have found that a diet of blueberries reduced abdominal fat in rats. Also, aside from the reduction of fat loss the study also showed lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol after consuming blueberries. Another benefit that was found was improved glucose and insulin levels. Basically, all of these results combined showed positive outcomes in combating metabolic syndrome. So what does this mean? Blueberries may help reduce your belly-fat, may improve your insulin and glucose levels and they may help promote a healthy metabolism.

Number Two - Blueberries support a healthy brain function.More than a couple studies show blueberries improve brain function and may combat the start and/or progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Blueberries are a healthy addition for boosting your brain function. The nutrients in blueberries include selenium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, anthocyanin, vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Studies show damaged brain cells are healed and brain functions are improved.

Number Three - Blueberries support healthy blood and promote strong heart muscle tissue.Blueberries are high in fiber and antioxidants. A fiber rich diet reaps many benefits and antioxidants punch away at cancer cells. They also help dissolve the bad cholesterol and help promote healthy cardiac muscle tissue.

Number Four - Blueberries are known to fight colon, liver and ovarian cancer.Blueberries pack a punch of cancer blasting antioxidants. Blueberries have been found to be especially helpful in combating colon, liver and ovarian cancer. Vitamins C, copper and phenolic compounds make-up the antioxidant battle team that help inhibit cancer cells from progressing. Some studies even show that the blueberries contain super antioxidants, which may promote death of cancer cells. Also, anthocyanins are the blue pigment found in blueberries. Anthocyanin are a rich source of antioxidants. An interesting fact, the anthocyanins and bioflavinoids in blueberries are more powerful than those found in red wine.

Number Five - At only 84 calories a cup blueberries are a perfect low calorie snack.One cup of nutritious blueberries has 84 calories! Blueberries are loaded with vitamin C and fiber.Just one cup of blueberries will provide you with almost 25% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.Number Six - Blueberries Boost your ImmunityBlueberries are loaded with antioxidants, but did you know they are comprised of properties that are antibacterial and antiviral? Another fact, blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants than any other fruit. Blueberries are rich in vitamins C, A, E and B complex. They also contain iron, selenium, copper and zinc. Even the blue shade of blueberries provides us with bioflavenoid and antioxidant rich anthocyanin. All of these wonderful elements will boost your immunity and help keep colds, infections and cancer causing free-radicals at bay.

Number Seven - Blueberries Keep Your Eyes HealthyAge related vision problems like cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy can be prevented with regular servings of fruit such as blueberries. The various vitamins, minerals and lutein found in blueberries are known to help maintain ocular health. Also, blueberries contain anthocyanosides, which reduce vision loss, eye strain and promote a healthy retina.

Number Eight - Blueberries are a great source of fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system and helps keep you feeling full. Fiber should be an important part of your diet. Fiber also helps you feel satisfied for longer periods of time between meals. One cup of blueberries will provide you with 4 grams of fiber. That is equivalent to just about 15% the daily recommended serving of fiber.

Number Nine - Blueberries Have a Low Glycemic Index. Low glycemic foods help maintain energy levels and fullness for longer periods of time. Low glycemic levels in foods mean that energy will be released for an extended period of time. You will feel fuller longer and won't feel the crash you feel with high gycemic foods. The GI of blueberries is low with a value of 53.

Blueberry-Lemon Sorbet

It's hard to believe that this sorbet helps prevent age-related memory loss and cell damage. That's thanks to the antioxidant-rich blueberries. Don't miss out on summery treats because of calories. This sorbet is just 77 calories a serving with no fat.

Ingredients 3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Place berry mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.

Greek Yogurt, Chocolate, Walnut, and Wild Blueberry Parfaits

Dark chocolate is rich in heart-healthy antioxidants, and recent research shows that wild blueberries are just as good at protecting your heart from damage as they are at protecting your brain. Put them together, though, and trigger even more heart-helping power: The flavonoids, called catechins, in chocolate, and flavonoids called quercetins in blueberries are thought to work together to keep your blood from clotting.

Ingredients 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed 2 cups nonfat Greek-style yogurt 2 1/2 tablespoons mini dark-chocolate chips 1/2 cup oat granola Chopped walnuts

PreparationSpoon 1 tablespoon fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed, into each of 4 parfait glasses. Spoon 1/4 cup nonfat Greek-style yogurt over berries in each glass, then top each with 1 teaspoon mini dark-chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon oat granola, and a sprinkling of chopped walnuts. Add another layer of the berries, yogurt, chocolate, walnuts, and granola to each glass; serve.