Market Musings: Abuelo's Farm serves up tasty blueberries

Summer always seems to bring out the best in farming, more or less since it's peak season for many Michigan crops. One of the biggest summer crops - and arguably one of the tastiest - is the blueberry. The small, bite sized treat is sweet enough to eat in the hot sun, while also offering a bit of tartness to perk you up. Abeulo's Farm in Fennville specializes in the blue crop, and Victor Perez shared why freshly picked berries have such a great taste.

"Usually when you go to the store you never know how long the berries have been in a refrigerator, so the taste doesn't always compare," he said. "They look nice, you take them home, and sometimes you're totally disappointed. When you're out there, you know it's fresh, and it's going to be super sweet."

Perez shared that blueberry picking doesn't usually begin until around the Fourth of July, but can extend into late August. Although Abuelo's forte is blueberries, Perez features crops from other local farmers at his stand as well. 

"Some of the other local farmers I have met farming buy some of my blueberries. So in return I will buy some of their tomatoes, for example, some of their plums. So we kind of help each other out. We have an unofficial cooperative and give some great prices to each other." 

If you're ever in the market for some freshly picked blueberries, look no further than Abuelo's farm. Perez appreciates the market greatly.

"This is a great market for many of us. Small farmers like myself benefit a lot from local buyers and the clients that come and see me on a weekly basis."