This is the first year to experience the Draper variety of blueberry since it is a new variety. We left some bushes unpicked to see how the berries would survive. In spite of several rainy days the tough Draper skin shows amazing resistance to splitting. After a rain a week ago many ripe Bluecrop berries split making them unsuitable for fresh market. Continuous rain for the last two days has left the Draper in the condition shown in the pictures below.
Draper blueberry
To see how late these Drapers are see a picture below of some Elliots which have already had a light picking and from the picture you can see they will be picked again soon. (Elliots are a very late berry.) Drapers seem very forgiving as to when they are harvested which is a huge plus for a grower. The thick skin of the Draper should carry lots of antioxidants for such a large berry. They should be eaten fresh with yogurt or anything that can supply a flavour boost. Click on pictures to enlarge.
Elliot blueberry
