UK-grown blueberries are set for a major R&D boost as two new research projects are underway to grow sales of fresh berries and increase their use in juice.
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute will identify cultivated varieties of blueberries suited to commercial production in the UK. They are also investigating the commercial potential for blaeberries - the Scottish name for a wild-growing native blueberry variety - for use in juice.
“Blueberries offer great potential for growers as their popularity grows year-on-year and the benefits shoppers will get from home-grown fruit will be fresher, tastier berries,” said Dr Julie Graham, who works on both projects.
Blaeberries are sourer than blueberries and were more suited for use in making juice, when a small quantity was mixed with blueberries, she added.
The projects will complete by December next year.
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