California blueberries Naturipe Munger

Naturipe Farms’ has reached its peak of season of California blueberries, currently standing in the back half of the peak in Delano, and heading straight into the peak of the Delta region.

According to Naturipe, increased consumer demand for California-grown blueberries keeps pushing Naturipe grower-owners Munger Farms to continually improve itself, its harvesting methods, berry varieties and packaging styles.

Brothers, David Munger and Kable Munger are second generation growers in farming fresh blueberries in the rich soil of California’s San Joaquin Valley.

“It is our mission to deliver the highest quality berries to our customers and the consumers,' the brothers noted. 'We are dedicated to finding innovative new technologies to improve and stay competitive in this ever changing marketplace.”

As the season moves north along the west coast, Brian Bocock, vice president of product management, explains “The Delta growing area is a nice bridge of production between the California and Oregon/Washington seasons, providing a continuous supply of conventional and organic blueberries to our customers.”

Included in this year’s harvest is a variety proprietary to Naturipe, the Rocio. The Rocio is an early variety with berries that are typically larger in size and has a sweet flavour.

In addition, varieties such as “Legacy and Draper from our northern California farms offer the best late season California blueberries with their flavour, quality and superior self-life,” said Mario Flores, director of blueberry product management.