National Blueberry Month
July 1 - July 31
About National Blueberry Month
National Blueberry Month runs throughout July 2026, celebrating one of the most popular and nutritious berries in the world. Held during the peak of the North American blueberry harvest, the month encourages people to enjoy blueberries in all their forms, from a handful eaten fresh to pies, muffins, smoothies, and jams. It is both a tribute to a beloved fruit and a nod to the growers who bring it to our tables.
How to Celebrate National Blueberry Month
With a whole month to play with, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy blueberries:
- Bake a classic blueberry pie – Few desserts say summer quite like a warm blueberry pie with a lattice crust, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Whip up blueberry muffins – A batch of homemade muffins bursting with berries makes a wonderful breakfast or afternoon treat throughout the month.
- Blend a blueberry smoothie – Combine blueberries with banana, yoghurt, and a splash of milk for a quick, antioxidant-rich start to the day.
- Go blueberry picking – Many pick-your-own farms open their gates in July. Gathering your own berries is a fun family outing and the freshest way to enjoy them.
- Make your own jam – Preserving blueberries as jam lets you enjoy that summer flavour long after the season ends.
- Add them to savoury dishes – Blueberries pair surprisingly well with cheese, salads, and grilled meats, so experiment beyond the dessert table.
- Stir them into breakfast – Top porridge, pancakes, or yoghurt with a generous handful for an easy daily dose of berries.
- Share your blueberry creations – Post photos of your bakes and recipes online to inspire others to join the celebration.
What is National Blueberry Month?
National Blueberry Month is a month-long observance held every July in the United States to promote the appreciation and use of blueberries. It celebrates both the cultivated highbush blueberry and the smaller wild lowbush variety, championing their flavour, versatility, and impressive nutritional profile. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and other industry supporters use the month to highlight the value of blueberries in everyday meals and to recognise the farming communities that grow them.
When is National Blueberry Month?
National Blueberry Month is celebrated throughout the whole of July, running from 1 to 31 July 2026. July was chosen because it coincides with the peak of the North American blueberry harvest, when the berries are at their most plentiful and flavoursome.
The History of National Blueberry Month
The blueberry has deep roots in North America, where wild varieties were a staple food and medicine for Indigenous peoples for centuries. The modern cultivated blueberry owes its existence to the pioneering work of botanist Frederick Coville and grower Elizabeth White, who together developed the first commercial highbush blueberries in New Jersey, harvesting their first crop in 1916. Their collaboration transformed a wild fruit into one of the world’s most widely grown berries.
July’s connection to the blueberry was formalised through a joint resolution of the United States House and Senate dated 13 June 1974, which first recognised the month. The observance was later cemented when the U.S. Department of Agriculture formally proclaimed July as National Blueberry Month in 2003, with the aim of promoting greater appreciation and use of highbush blueberries. Since then it has become a fixture of the summer food calendar, embraced by growers, retailers, and home cooks alike. If you enjoy celebrating culinary traditions, you might also like National Oreo Day, another day devoted to a much-loved treat.
Fun Facts About National Blueberry Month
- Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables, thanks largely to anthocyanins, the pigments that give them their deep blue colour.
- A single one-cup serving of blueberries provides around a quarter of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for roughly 80 calories.
- The first commercial highbush blueberry crop was harvested in New Jersey in 1916.
- The United States is one of the largest blueberry producers in the world, harvesting hundreds of thousands of tonnes each year.
- Blueberries are one of the few fruits truly native to North America.
- Research has linked regular blueberry consumption to benefits for memory, heart health, and blood pressure.
Why National Blueberry Month Matters
Beyond their taste, blueberries are a genuine nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fibre, and disease-fighting antioxidants. Celebrating the month encourages healthier eating while supporting the farmers and rural communities who depend on the harvest. It is a reminder that good food can be both delicious and beneficial, and that seasonal eating connects us to the rhythm of the growing year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Blueberry Month?
It is a month-long July celebration of blueberries in the United States, promoting their flavour, versatility, and health benefits while recognising the growers who produce them.
When is National Blueberry Month in 2026?
It runs for the whole of July 2026, from 1 to 31 July, timed to coincide with the peak North American harvest.
Why is July National Blueberry Month?
July marks the height of the North American blueberry harvest. The month was first recognised by a Congressional resolution in 1974 and formally proclaimed by the USDA in 2003.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best blueberry bakes and recipes on social media with #NationalBlueberryMonth and #BlueberryMonth2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to get baking!
Related Awareness Days
- National Oreo Day – Another food-focused day celebrating a much-loved sweet treat.
- National Bikini Day – A summery July observance that pairs nicely with the season’s fresh-fruit feasting.
- National Powersports Month – Another July-long observance for those who love to fill the whole month with celebration.
Links
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