U-PICK AT HAZEN'S BLUEBERRY FARM
WE ARE OPEN FOR THE 2009 SEASON!!
Summer has arrived at Hazen's Blueberry Farm and we are now open for the season. Our U-Pick Farm is a great place to escape from everyday stresses. We have a peaceful, country setting in which you can leisurely pick your own fresh blueberries and raspberries.
Our U-Pick Farm is open from mid July until mid October, weather permitting. Our U-Pick hours are from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday. Come alone, with friends or bring your family!
BLACK RASPBERRIES ARE NOW IN SEASON (JULY 8TH)
The black raspberries are here! We have started our u-pick season and offer you the opportunity to pick your own berries for $2.80/lb. So, if you are looking for fresh black raspberries, a place to take the family, just stop by and pick up some delicious berries grown right here in Michigan.
PICKING AND STORING RASPBERRIES
When raspberries are ripe for picking, they should pull off the hull easily (note that raspberries do not ripen once they are picked).
When selecting raspberries, choose those that have a deep rich even color, are slightly soft, plump, and have a good aroma. Raspberries are highly perishable, for this reason it is best to pick raspberries one or two days prior to use. They are also extremely delicate and easily crushed or damaged so handle with care. Before storing, check the raspberries once more for any that might be damaged or spoiled. Place unwashed raspberries in a container of your choice, and store in a refrigerator. Raspberries keep well refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
Freezing raspberries is a great way to keep them long after their season ends. Gently rinse them and pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange the berries in a single layer on a cookie sheet or flat pan, completely cover with wax paper and place in the freezer for 1 or 2 hours until they are completely frozen. Once they are frozen, remove wax paper and transfer the berries to a freezer container or bag; label and date the container and return to the freezer to store. Frozen raspberries should keep for up to a year.
Don't forget to keep an eye on our website for information about upcoming crops. We will keep you posted on our blueberries (July 10th) and red raspberries (July 15th), as well as our other fruits as they come in.
BLUEBERRIES ARE READY FOR PICKING (JULY 15th)
PICKING AND STORING BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruits to pick. There is little bending and no crawling on the ground. To pick them, cup your hands under the ripe berries and gently tap them with your thumbs. The ripe berries will fall into your hands, leaving behind any berries that need further ripening.
An average picker can pick 10 pounds in an hour, normally picking from no more than 4 or 5 bushes. We provide buckets for our customers. Once the berries are weighed, the customers take them home in a brown paper bag or you can bring your own container.
Store berries in the refrigerator for up to five days. The natural wax on the berries helps keep them fresh, but will be removed when washed, so washing should be done just prior to eating. If your berries have some red on them, ripen on the counter, out of the sun, for up to 24 hours before refrigerating. They will ripen fully.
Berries can be stored at 20 degrees F for up to one year. Berries stored below 20 degrees will last up to several months longer with no reduction in quality or taste. Remove any loose stems and leaves, then rinse the berries. Cover a cookie sheet with a paper towel, then lay berries in a single layer on the paper towel until dry. Place in freezer bag and lay flat in freezer until frozen.
Blueberries may be frozen unwashed. Package in freezer-safe Ziploc bags, in the size of your choice. If you prefer, wash your berries before eating, after you remove them from the freezer.
HAZEN'S – DID YOU KNOW?
JULY IS NATIONAL BLUEBERRY MONTH
When you think of what is special about the month of July, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Independence Day. After all, July 4th is an important holiday for our country. People celebrate that day with parades, picnics, fireworks, and more, so of course that holiday is foremost in our minds when we think about July.
But did you know that there is a month-long, nationally-recognized celebration for the month of July? Since 1999, July has been National Blueberry Month! The United States Department of Agriculture decided that the blueberry was worthy of having its own month of celebration, and July seemed like the perfect choice because that is when they are at the height of their harvest.
So, why do blueberries deserve their own special month? What is so special about them? Well, to begin with, these berries are grown throughout a good percentage of the United States. Over 90% of all of the blueberries in the world are produced in our country, in thirty-five states. The state of Michigan ranks 3rd, just behind California and South Carolina in blueberry production. Also the nutritional value of blueberries cannot be beat by any other fruit or vegetable. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which have been scientifically proven to help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. They are also excellent sources of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, folic acid, and fiber. Plus, they are low in calories, one cup of berries is only about 80 calories. And were you aware that blueberries are virtually fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free?
Come celebrate National Blueberry Month at Hazen's – we look forward to seeing you!!!
FROM HAZEN'S KITCHEN
LEMON-BLUEBERRY MUFFIN
Country Living Magazine
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
3 tablespoon(s) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup(s) sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup(s) sour cream
1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup(s) milk
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) lemon zest
1 1/2 cup(s) fresh blueberries, washed and drained
3 teaspoon(s) sugar (optional)
DIRECTIONS: