Fresh Ontario wild blueberries are now arriving at the Ontario Food Terminal, bringing bold flavour, exceptional nutrition and one of Canada’s most anticipated summer harvests to retailers, restaurants and food service operators.
Ontario’s local produce season continues to deliver another summer favourite with the arrival of Ontario-grown wild blueberries.
Known for their small size, intense flavour and impressive nutritional profile, wild blueberries have earned a loyal following among consumers, chefs and food businesses. Their growing season is relatively short, making them one of the most anticipated local fruits of the summer.
Wild blueberries started making their way from local farms to the Ontario Food Terminal this past Saturday, July 4th.
A Canadian summer tradition
For many Ontarians, the arrival of wild blueberries is another sign that summer is in full swing.
Everyone loves wild blues! They’re a Canadian summer classic.
Because they’re only available for a limited time each year, demand for fresh Ontario wild blueberries remains consistently high throughout the season. Their popularity extends beyond fresh eating, with many consumers purchasing extra berries to freeze and enjoy long after summer has ended.
What makes wild blueberries different?
While cultivated highbush blueberries are available year-round, wild blueberries offer a noticeably different eating experience. The berries themselves are much smaller, but they deliver a more concentrated flavour—more intense flavour packed in a smaller berry.
Their compact size also makes them easy to incorporate into baking, smoothies, sauces and preserves without sacrificing flavour.
Another distinguishing feature is their nutritional value. Wild blueberries contain approximately twice the antioxidants of conventional cultivated blueberries, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers.
Freshness from farm to customer
Like many Ontario-grown fruits, wild blueberries benefit from a short supply chain. The berries harvested one day are typically shipped to the Ontario Food Terminal the following morning, where they’re purchased and distributed to customers shortly afterward.
That rapid movement from farm to market helps preserve freshness while giving retailers, restaurants and food service operators access to fruit that’s close to peak quality.
A crop that depends on the weather
Ontario’s growing season got off to a slower start this year because of cooler spring temperatures. Fortunately, conditions have improved.
Wild blueberries generally thrive in warm, dry weather, and we expect a strong harvest provided the province avoids severe storms and heavy winds during the remainder of the season.
As with many delicate fruit crops, weather continues to play an important role in determining both quality and yield.
Choosing high-quality wild blueberries
When purchasing fresh Ontario wild blueberries, appearance is one of the best indicators of quality. Look for berries that are:
- Dry
- Firm
- Covered with a natural whitish-blue bloom
That powdery-looking bloom is a naturally occurring waxy coating that helps protect the fruit, and it’s a sign of freshness.
To help maximize quality after purchase, wild blueberries should be kept cold and dry until they’re ready to be enjoyed or frozen.
A versatile ingredient for summer
Ontario wild blueberries are enjoyed across every part of the food industry. Restaurants and bakeries feature them in cakes, pies, glazes and desserts, while food manufacturers use them in jams and preserves. Grocery retailers also see strong demand as shoppers look to enjoy the berries fresh while they’re in season.
Because they freeze exceptionally well, many consumers stock up during the short harvest window to enjoy local blueberries throughout the year.
More Ontario berries are arriving
Wild blueberries are part of a growing lineup of Ontario-grown berries now reaching the Ontario Food Terminal. Recent arrivals include raspberries, while gooseberries and currants are just beginning their season. If growing conditions remain favourable, Ontario blackberries are expected to follow soon.
As more local fruit becomes available, businesses across the food industry have even more opportunities to feature fresh, seasonal Ontario produce.
A limited-time taste of summer
Wild blueberry season doesn’t last long, which is one reason demand remains so strong each year. Their combination of exceptional flavour, nutritional benefits and limited availability makes them one of the highlights of Ontario’s summer harvest.
They’re super healthy and only around for a limited time. Enjoy them while you can.
For retailers, restaurants and food service operators, Ontario wild blueberries offer another opportunity to showcase the freshness, flavour and quality that define the province’s local produce season.