IT'S BLUEBERRY TIME! We are opening for our regular picking season on Friday July 18th.
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| sign at entrance to Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries |
We are so happy to announce that Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries will be opening for the regular picking season on Friday July 18th and Saturday July 19th at 8 a.m.. If at all possible, please arrive after 8 a.m. to ease the traffic jam during the morning commute, and to prevent a back-up on the street. So mark your calendars, tell all of your friends, grab your favorite picking pail and join us for a tasty time.
As usual will be open every Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the months of July and August. If there happens to be inclement weather on either a Friday or Saturday, please call 508-528-9430 ahead of time to make sure that we are open. A message will be posted on the machine by 7 a.m..
If you happen to forget to bring your own picking container, don't worry, we have containers for you to use.
Please use the link below to forward this e-mail to your family and friends. We don't want anyone to miss out on this year's great picking season!
OPENING WEEKEND!
The hot weather the last week and the rain this week has been great for the berries, they are ripening nicely.. U-Pick Blueberries will be open for 2014 picking season Friday July 18th and Saturday July 19th!
It looks to be a great picking season this year; the branches are laden with berries. Of course our tender loving care over the past 10 months didn't hurt either. Do you know that each and every one of our bushes are hand pruned every year to help promote new growth and lots of blueberries? We also make sure we have enough honeybees on the property in the spring to ensure proper pollination.
We have 5 varieties of blueberries on our farm. Collins are the earliest variety of the season. Our mid-season varieties are Blueray, Bluecrop, and Berkley. Finally, our late season variety is Coville. With these five varieties we are able to provide our customers with lots of big, sweet, and tasty blueberries for about 6-8 weeks each year.
Through a proclamation of the United States Department of Agriculture, July is National Blueberry Month, and what a wonderful time to celebrate these little berries by picking your own at our farm!
Remember we usually pick through the middle of August so if you can't make it on our opening weekend, don't worry there will be more next weekend.
Blueberries and Your Health
Did you know that blueberries are the second most commonly eaten berry in the U.S.? (Strawberries are the first). They are also one of the few fruits native to North America, blueberries have been enjoyed by Native Americans for hundreds of years.
Blueberries are renowned not only for their flavor but for their impact on health. The USDA recommends adults enjoy two cups of fruit a day - all year round. Fresh blueberries can help you fulfill that recommendation. A half-cup of blueberries has just 40 calories and contributes to our daily intake of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
After many years of research on blueberry antioxidants and their potential benefits for the nervous system and for brain health, there is exciting new evidence from researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center that blueberries can help improve memory. Also, scientific studies show that blueberries contain antioxidants that may be beneficial to good health. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to the development of a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's.
New studies also make it clear that we can freeze blueberries without doing damage to their delicate anthocyanin antioxidants.
FAQ
How much does a pint weigh?
A pint of blueberries weighs approximately 3/4 of a pound.
What's the best way to store fresh blueberries?
Fresh blueberries should be stored uncovered in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 10 days. Remember that they need to be completely dry when stored.
Do you have handicapped parking?
We try our best to accommodate our handicapped customers with allowing them to park as close to the field as possible. However, since this is a working farm some walking on uneven ground is required.
Can I bring my dog along?
Unfortunately due to health reasons, dogs (except service dogs of course) are not allowed in the field. Please be kind to your pet and leave them at home to rest, while you enjoy your picking experience, it's really too hot to leave them in your car in the middle of the summer.
Do you take credit cards?
We do not have electricity out in the field, and therefore do not accept credit cards. Cash and personal checks are always more than happily accepted.
Do you advertise?
Word of mouth is our best form of advertisement. We rely on our customers to spread the word to their family, friends, and neighbors. So we appreciate it when you do your part! Our main means of communication is through our email list and on Facebook. Check us out on Facebook!
Do you have restroom facilities?
Unfortunately, we do not have restroom facilities on-site. However, if Mother Nature calls, there is a gas station or Dunkin Donuts 1/10th of a mile down the street.
Thank you for your continued patronage. It is loyal customers like you that make all of our hard work enjoyable. We hope you enjoy our blueberries and your picking experience at our farm.
Gianettis' U Pick Blueberries (508) 528-9430
557 Union St | Franklin | MA | 02038
