May 16, 2021

Seriously, who isn't in the mood for fresh-picked blueberries, the featured fruit in the Fresh From Florida Blueberry Cobbler or the Blueberry Breakfast Salad featured online at the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council? Ready for some Blueberry Granite, Blueberry-Coconut Tartlets, Blueberry Bread Pudding, Blueberry Almond Crepes or Blueberry Muffins, all featured recipes online at the Florida Blueberry Growers Association?

Whether you use your own recipes or one of the above, the first essential step is to get your hands on some luscious blueberries, and nothing could be more lush and fresh than picking them ripe for yourself in the fertile fields of Hillsborough County, Florida.

So mark your calendars for the Saturday, May 22 Blueberry U-Pick at Duggal & Sons Blueberry Farm in Lithia, at 3515 Nichols Road. Not only can you fill a bucket for $20, but you can do so also for a cause, with all the day's proceeds benefiting Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation District youth programs and events. (In case you're wondering, each bucket can hold 6 pounds or more of fresh blueberries, a great deal for whipping up a nutrient-rich Blueberry Smoothie or an allrecipes.com Blueberry Pie.

So, put on your picking clothes; smooth on some sunscreen; grab a water bottle; make plans with your family, neighbors and friends and head out to Duggal & Sons in Lithia on May 22. The U-pick is set to run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., just in time to get home in time to whip up a tasty meal of Blueberry & Brie Turkey Wellington or Chicken Satay with Blueberry Ginger.

Click below for the May 22 Blueberry U-Pick flyer and Bon Appétit!