Wild Blueberry Week is here in New Brunswick, and there are more ways than ever to enjoy the wonderful little super-fruit.
The week-long festival of blueberry-related food and drink is all about celebrating the booming wild blueberry industry here in New Brunswick.
According to Donald Arseneault, spokesperson for Bleuets NB Blueberries, 77 million pounds of wild blueberries were harvested in the province this year, over 50 per cent more than last year’s total.
He says the industry contributes a GDP of over $55 million and generates more than $30 million in labour income within the province.
“it’s quite significant when you think about it. You know, it’s a two-month harvest,” said Arseneault.
A record-breaking number of restaurants are participating in this year’s celebration, 141 in total, and you can try a unique blueberry-inspired dish or drink at each one.
“There’s all sorts of things to try, from a breakfast dish to a special sauce on steak, or there’s some special drinks too. So, everybody has a unique thing,” said Arseneault.
You can also win some pretty great prizes simply by heading to your local participating restaurant and filling out an online survey.
“We have some nice prizes to win including a VIP, wine tasting at Magnetic Hill Winery in Moncton, along with several other kinds of wild blueberry gift boxes as well that we have to offer. It’s an exciting week and we’re just trying to promote an industry here that’s very valuable to our province,” said Arseneault.
Click here to see a full list of all the participating restaurants.
