National Blueberry Day

National Blueberry Day, celebrated on July 8 each year, shines a spotlight on the sweet, antioxidant-packed blueberry. It’s a chance to enjoy this tiny but powerful fruit while learning about its long-standing role in our diets and gratitude for its health benefits.

History of National Blueberry Day

Blueberries are native to North America and have been part of human diets and traditional medicine for over 13,000 years, particularly among Indigenous peoples. Modern cultivation began in earnest when botanist Frederick Coville collaborated with Elizabeth White in the early 1900s. Their work resulted in the first commercial lowbush blueberry crops, sold in 1916 and helping transform blueberries into a mainstream agricultural product.

In 2003, National Blueberry Day was officially recognized to honor the berry’s delicious taste and remarkable nutritional benefits. It also kicks off National Blueberry Month in July, a campaign supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the North American Blueberry Council to promote blueberry consumption during peak season.

Why is National Blueberry Day important?

Blueberries might be small, but they pack a punch. Rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidant anthocyanins, they can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and even aid cognitive function. It’s a reminder that enjoying nutritious foods doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be a delicious daily habit.

It’s also a celebration of farming heritage and local economies. From wild lowbush patches in Minnesota forests to cultivated fields in New Jersey and beyond, blueberry farming supports millions of jobs and sustains communities across North America.

• They support heart and brain health with every bite
• They’re loaded with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
• They’re easy to incorporate into meals—from breakfast to dessert
• They connect us to centuries of traditional and modern agriculture
• They support farmers and rural economies through harvesting and trade

How to Celebrate National Blueberry Day

Celebrate July 8 with blueberry-themed goodness! Begin the day with a yogurt parfait or smoothie, topped off with a handful of fresh blueberries. Then, visit a local blueberry farm—if available—and experience picking your own fresh fruit straight from the bush.

At home, whip up a simple blueberry salad, bake muffins, or enjoy them as a snack. If you’re feeling creative, try freezing blueberries in ice cube trays for refreshing drinks or popsicles. Share your blueberry creations on social media with friends and spread the healthy joy.

• Make a smoothie, oats bowl, or parfait with blueberries
• Visit a u-pick blueberry farm or local farmers market
• Freeze berries in ice trays for drinks or frozen treats
• Bake blueberry muffins, pancakes, or pies for loved ones
• Share blueberry recipes or photos online with #BlueberryDay

National Blueberry Day Dates Table