Number one blueberry producer in the Nation returns for the season with u-pick farms, kids’ recipe contest and Trophy Cupcakes partnership

Eltopia, Wash. – Washington blueberry growers are readying for another season this summer. Eastern Washington is well under way picking and shipping to local grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops, and across the globe. Western Washington will more than double the state’s yields as it enters production.

The Washington blueberry season started late, like many other crops in 2022. “The unusually long and unusually cool spring pushed the early varieties of Washington blueberries out a few weeks, but we are right in the thick of it now, and the mid to late season varieties are on track. Adding acreage again this year, the 24,000 total acres of Washington blueberries are expected to yield 180 million pounds this season (173 million pounds in 2021). What’s even more impressive is that the flavor of Washington blueberries this year is just phenomenal,” said Alan Schreiber, executive director of Washington Blueberry Commission.

Consumers can find Washington’s plump, juicy blueberries in stores now, with fully stocked grocery stores, roadside stands, farmers markets, and the opening of Western Washington’s u-pick farms. West of the Cascades, blueberry u-pick farms are prolific in Snohomish, Skagit, Pierce, Thurston, Lewis and Clark Counties, with Whatcom County being the largest producing county in the country. Eastern Washington u-pick farms are concentrated in Benton, Yakima, Franklin, Walla Walla and Chelan counties. U-pick farms provide a fun, sociable way for friends, families, and groups to get outside to pick, taste and nourish themselves. A list of Washington blueberry u-pick farms can be found here.

Blueberries are often considered “nature’s treat,” a superfood full of anti-oxidant phytonutrients, vitamin C, manganese and fiber. Washington grows over 85% organic blueberries, and continues its reign as the number one producer of blueberries in the country, followed by Oregon, Georgia and Michigan. Washington also has one of the longest blueberry seasons in North America, typically running from June through October, and producing 40% fresh blueberries, and 60% frozen blueberries enjoyed year around.

Partnering with Seattle’s own Trophy Cupcakes & Party, the woman owned bakery is celebrating 15 years of serving Washington blueberry treats and is currently showcasing a delicious lineup at all five locations in Seattle and the Eastside through August. Such items include Washington Blueberry Cheesecake Macarons, Washington Blueberry Lemonade Layer Cake, Washington Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins, Washington Blueberry Bostock, and Washington Blueberry Pie Soft Serve Sundae (U-Village location only). Delivery and pick-up details are available at TrophyCupcakes.com.

Washington Blueberry Commission (WBC) will kick-off its annual Kids’ Recipe Contest August 14-28. Kids 12-18 years old are invited to create their own recipe using Washington blueberries and submit to the WBC for the opportunity to win a flat of Washington Blueberries, one of Trophy Cupcakes’ coveted layer cakes and a $100 gift card to use online or at a Trophy Cupcakes location. The sweet treat queen herself, Trophy Cupcakes owner Jennifer Shea, will judge the online-submitted recipes to select a winner. Previous winners include recipes for Washington Blueberry, Lemon, and Lavender Entremet Cake and Vegan Washington Blueberry Citrus Crepes. Full contest rules and details can be found here.

No prep required, Washington blueberries can be enjoyed by the handful or pureed into smoothies, thrown into morning pancakes, or made into a compote to serve alongside summer fish or meat. Blueberries are incredibly diverse in sweet or savory food and drinks and have countless health benefits to boot. Recipes can be found online.

About the Washington Blueberry Commission
The Washington Blueberry Commission was established in 1969 by state law to coordinate marketing of the blueberry commodities produced in Washington. The Commission is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners consisting of six producers and a representative of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The Commission invites the public, retailers, and restaurateurs to share their Washington fresh blueberry posts on social media with the hashtags #WAblueberries and #WAfreshblueberries. Learn more at www.wablueberries.com.

# # #