Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries
About the Farm!
- Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries is a family run blueberry farm that was started in 1974 by brothers, Ron and Zeffro Gianetti on their collective backyard property.
- The success of Ron's 24 blueberry bushes in his own garden gave the brothers the idea to start a blueberry farm.
- In 1979 they opened the farm for picking to mostly family and neighbors.
- As word spread, the farm has grown into popular spot for picking.
One of Franklin's hidden gems!
- You can come pick your own every Friday and Saturday from mid-July to late August.
- Come enjoy a fun and family friendly activity.
- There are tons to pick and so many ways to enjoy blueberries.
- The best way to get our food is directly from the farm!
History of Blueberries:
- One of the few fruits that are native to North America.
- Native Americans ate blueberries, used the roots and leaves as medicine, and made fabric dye from them.
- Originally found in the wild (low bush blueberries) are abundant in the Northeast US, especially Maine and Canada.
- Blueberries were originally cultivated (high bush blueberries) in the early 1900s in New Jersey and are now grown in many regions of the US, including here in Massachusetts.
- There are now many varieties and many ways to enjoy them!
https://www.blueberrycouncil.org/about-blueberries/history-of-blueberries/
https://www.ars.usda.gov/plains-area/gfnd/gfhnrc/docs/news-2014/blueberries-and-health/
Benefits of Blueberries!
Did you know that blueberries are loaded in nutrients and low in calories?!?
- Virtually no fat or sodium
- A one cup serving only has 80 calories
- Vitamin C- important for growth and repair of body tissue, such as collagen formation, and gum, capillary, and immune system health
- Fiber- helps you feel full longer, keep digestion regular, and good for heart health and cholesterol levels
- Manganese- important for many body functions, including bone health, connective tissues, and metabolism
- Abundant in phyto-components, such as flavonoids- provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
Research continues to indicate potential benefits for cardiovascular and brain health, insulin response, and some cancers.
So Many Ways to Eat Blueberries!
- Fresh
- Freeze for later
- Add to smoothies
- Breakfast: French toast, pancakes
- Bake: pies, muffins, cobblers, breads
- Other desserts: puddings, popsicles, ice cream, slushies, milkshakes
- Add to your favorite summer beverage
- Add to fresh salads, cereal, or oatmeal
- Make jams, jellies, spreads
- Make dressings
Check out the US Highbush Blueberry Council website for lots of great tips and an abundance of great blueberry recipes!
Recipes: Some of my favorite creative ways to enjoy blueberries!
1. Blueberry Balsamic Dressing:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 9 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. honey
- pinch of salt
- 6 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for the olive oil in a small sauce pan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Lightly press down on the blueberries as they cook to break them open. Remove the fresh thyme once done.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Whisk in olive oil. You may also blend until smooth to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle dressing over a crunchy chopped summer salad!
Number of servings (yield): 9 servings
2. Blueberry Creamsicles:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton)
- 3 tbsp coconut cream
- ¼ tsp grated lime zest
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan over medium heat, combine blueberries, water, and maple syrup. Lightly crush blueberries with the back of your spoon and cook until liquid is syrupy and thick. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, coconut cream and grated lime zest.
- Fill popsicle molds a little over half full of coconut milk mixture. Spoon in blueberry mixture to each popsicle – about 1-2 Tbsp. per popsicle.
- Place mold in freezer for 1 hour. Remove molds and add popsicle sticks into each popsicle. Place mold back in the freezer for at least another 4 hours until ice pops are solid.
Number of servings (yield): 6 popsicles
3. Blueberry Chia Pudding:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and coconut milk. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, lightly crush half of the blueberries and stir into the chia pudding. Gently stir in the remaining, whole blueberries.
- Sit in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Number of servings (yield): 2 servings
Blueberry Balsamic Dressing
Blueberry Creamsicles
Blueberry Chia Pudding
Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries
When to Pick:
Open every Friday and Saturday Mid July - Late August
8 a.m. to 4 p.m
It's recommended that you bring your own container, but containers are available for use.
Cash or Checks only. CC not accepted.
Website: https://guide.farmfreshri.org/food/farm.php?farm=2325
Location: 557 Union Street, Franklin, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-9430
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GianettisUpickBlueberries/
Want to know more???
You can look forward to weekly flyers all summer!
I'll be providing information on the Agricultural Commission, the local farms, all their wonderful products, the farmers' market, CSAs, and health and nutrition information.
A Little About Me:
This newsletter is part of my summer practicum project to complete my Master's in Public Health Nutrition from UMass Amherst. I am community member and a volunteer with the Franklin Agricultural Commission. I am passionate about eating fresh and local foods and I am excited to share information about our local farms and Agricultural Commission with you all summer.
Thanks!
Jennifer Nicholls
BS Nutrition
MS Emergency Management
MPH Nutrition (Pending)
July 2018
Vol 5