At Castleton Farm, we’re all about celebrating the taste of luscious ripe fruit which is why we’re so passionate about Scottish blueberries.
Blueberries are bursting with health benefits – and they’re in season right now, from the middle of July right through to the end of October.
Of the 1,200 acres we farm here at Castleton, 185 acres are dedicated to producing our delicious blueberries. We plant the bushes every year (this year, we’re growing 11 different varieties and trialling four more) and they crop for roughly about 15 harvests.
Scottish blueberries
So why should you look for the label “grown in Scotland” when you’re selecting your soft fruit?
Top of the list of reasons is freshness and flavour. Locally grown blueberries are harvested at peak ripeness and delivered to consumers more quickly than imported fruits. This results in fresher and more flavour-filled berries, as they don’t have to sit for long periods in transport and storage.
And freshness means you’re making the most of the blueberry’s renowned nutritional benefits.
They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can support overall health and wellbeing. By choosing fresh, locally grown blueberries you know you’re getting the maximum nutritional value from the fruit, as nutrients degrade in the time it takes to transport them from far-flung parts.
And there’s something to be said for seasonality. Scottish blueberries are typically available during the summer months when they are in season. By enjoying seasonal flavours and variety, you feel more connected to the natural cycles of your local region.
Support local
And we know you love to #supportlocal. By purchasing blueberries grown in Scotland, you are supporting local farmers and businesses. This helps sustain local agriculture, creates jobs and contributes to the economic growth of the region.
Blueberries are native to North America. However they are related to a similar fruit, called a bilberry – or blaeberry in Scotland – that grows wild in the UK.
Choosing Scottish blueberries saves on those precious food miles. If you reduce the distance they need to travel from farm to plate, there are fewer carbon emissions and energy consumption associated with transportation. This contributes to a more sustainable food system and helps combat climate change.
Going green by choosing blue
It all feeds into our sustainability ethos. Our aim is to farm profitably, in an ethical and environmentally sustainable way. To do this, we use regenerative agricultural practices, which focus on improving and revitalising soil health.
Buying our berries means you are showing your support for our environmentally friendly practices.
We produce the finest quality fruit, full of flavour, that meets the high standards demanded by our customers. And we prioritise quality control and traceability of our products. You can have greater confidence in the safety and quality of locally grown berries.
So now you know you can choose blueberries grown in Scotland with a clear conscience in supporting local farmers.
Scottish blueberries are bursting with health benefits, they’re super fresh and full of flavour: they’re the best choice.
