Fresh New Jersey Blueberries - Emery's

This time each year I have to take a ride out to New Egypt, NJ for the world's best blueberries at Emery's Berry Farm.  The farm is organic which is great since blueberries are on the "dirty dozen" list of foods that you should only eat organic.  You can pick your own berries or buy freshly picked in their farm store.  Warning!  Once you enter the farm store I guarantee that you will leave with unplanned purchases!  They have gorgeous fresh baked goods and lots more (jams, jellies, syrup, honey, granola...).  We picked up an apple butter barbecue sauce and some delicious blueberry pastries. 

Unfortunately, farming is so weather dependent and while the weather here in NJ has been perfect for beachgoers - 30 days without rain and most days above 90 degrees - the weather is hurting the blueberry production.  We also had a late frost this year.  The farm still had plenty of berries but limited purchases to four pints per customer.  We happily bought up our four pints. 

Did you know that the official fruit of New Jersey is the blueberry and it was first cultivated in Whitesbog, NJ?  Blueberries are not only delicious; they are high in nutrition and contain antioxidants.  I would love to know your favorite recipe for blueberries.  I want to make good use of the beautiful berries.  Since I am off from work today, we are enjoying a late breakfast of what else? - blueberry pancakes!

You can see how dry the fields are - so sad!