By By Ida Brown/The Meridian Star
Juen 20, 2001
Blueberry season is back and this year's crop is looking good for local growers.
The homegrown bounty is also plentiful at B &W Orchards, located on Country Road 350.
From now through October, fresh blueberries are at their peak of juicy flavor.
About 1,500 blueberry plants are growing on the 2-acre Johnson farm, which the couple first planted in 1983. For the first few years, they gave the harvest to neighbors because, at the time, the berry was not a highly sought fruit.
After Johnson's wife prepared recipe sheets to distribute, demand for the fruit increased.
Customers may either pick their own berries at the farm for $4.50 a gallon, or buy an already picked gallon for $8.
In addition to recipe sheets, customers who pick their own berries are provided water and a stand to hold their bucket while they pick. The fields are wide and handicapped accessible and restroom facilities are available.
While picking is open to all, the Johnsons especially encourage groups and children.
Johnson Blueberry Farm is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The farm is located at 11624 Suqualena Road, one mile off Highway 494. For more information, call 626-8166 or e-mail johnsonblueberries@yahoo.com
While blueberry lovers may pick their own at B &W Orchards, many are opting to leave the picking to the staff.
The 5-acre farm is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers may pick their own berries for $5 per gallon or have them picked for $7.50 per gallon. Recipes are provided upon request.
In addition to fresh berries, Robinson also sells jams and jellies.
B &W Orchards is located on County Road 350, just off Highway 514. For more information, call 659-3046.
Ida Brown is Lifestyles editor of The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3224, or e-mail ibrown@themeridianstar.com.