Scientists are creating a new variety of blueberry which will grow in Scotland. According to some, it will also be three times bigger than usual. Currently, more than 40 different blueberries are being crossed to discover the perfect fruit which can be grown in the Scottish climate. As well as being three times the size of usual supermarket versions, the new fruits promise to be crunchier, juicier and more flavoursome.
Scientists at the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie near Dundee are working to produce a variety that will thrive north of the Border. The world-leading scientific research centre turned its attention to blueberries around a decade ago after disease decimated the raspberry industry.
Dr Susan McCallum, blueberry researcher and breeder at the JHI, said the scientists wanted to help growers understand which selectively bred plants were best suited to the Scottish climate. Dr McCallum, who looks after 5,000 plants at Invergowrie, said a Scottish blueberry would ideally offer a good yield for growers to make money as well as size, flavour, firmness and crunch. 'A large size doesn't just make it more attractive for consumers, it also makes it easier for pickers. It makes it easier to fill the punnet, it's a more attractive fruit and tends to be more flavoursome,' she said.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
