Record-Breaking Blueberry
A farm in Australia has achieved a remarkable feat by growing the heaviest blueberry ever recorded, weighing in at an astonishing 20.4 grams. This “behemoth blueberry” is almost 70 times heavier than an average wild blueberry and is the size of a ping pong ball.
Exceptional Variety
The record-breaking blueberry belongs to the Eterna variety, known for its impressive size, texture, and long-lasting freshness. Developed under the Costa Group’s Variety Improvement Program, this blueberry is part of the group’s efforts to create new blueberry varieties with global commercial value each year.
Quality and Sustainability
Costa Group’s senior horticulturist, Brad Hocking, highlighted the exceptional flavor and quality of the Eterna blueberry. The farm aims not only to provide a delightful fruit for consumers but also to develop varieties that can thrive in the face of climate change challenges, such as extreme weather conditions.
Future Innovations
Looking ahead, Costa Group’s International Horticulture Manager, George Jessett, emphasized the importance of developing blueberry varieties that are more adaptable to hotter climates, drought-tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases. These innovations aim to meet evolving customer demands and ensure sustainable agriculture practices.