Another one in the berry family, blueberries are a popular fruit choice. If you haven’t picked blueberries before it can takes 6-9 days to get your speed and quality to a level where your are picking productively. New blueberry pickers should give themselves at least a week or so to really work there way into their technique and surroundings please don’t give up in the first few days.The majority of blueberry picking work is done by hand given the delicate nature and the softness of the blueberries.
Blueberry Picking Tips
Always select plump, full blueberries that have a light blueish-grey colour.
A blueberry with any tinge of red hasn’t fully ripened. White and green coloured blueberries will not ripen after they are picked; while
Remember that blueberries that have already turned, red, purple or blue generally ripen after they’ve been picked (Ensure they are kept at room temperature to ripen).
**White and green coloured blueberries do not ripen after they’ve been picked***
Always try to pick a brush clean as well it will make it easier for you and your fellow workers.The more fruit picking you do the better you will become at it and being fast and careful will come hand in hand.
Blueberry Picking Locations
Batlow, Mount Barker, Byron Bay, Stanthorpe, Denmark, Tumbarumba, Deloraine
Mornington Peninsula, Albany, Huonville, Ulverstone, Devonport
Young, Burnie, Coffs Harbour, Yarra Valley, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast
Things you’ll need when blueberry picking
Work will be typically be in hot conditions so remember to stay cool and hydrated unless you’re working in a Greenhouse.
- Non slip sturdy footwear.
- Long Pants or Shorts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Broad Brimmed Hat
- Sunscreen
Did you know?
Blueberries protect against memory loss. Other popular berries include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and red currants.
Pay Information for Blueberry picking
Pay rates will differ from employer to employer, payment can be on an hourly, weekly or fortnightly basis. It is not uncommon for employers to also have a per piece pay agreement, pay will depend on how productive you are.
