MODESTO — The blueberry picking days of summer are drawing to a close early this year.

VanderHelm Farms — a popular Modesto u-pick blueberry destination on Albers Road east of Modesto is closing two weeks earlier than normal due to this year’s weather.

VanderHelm Farms is a family run business is founded on the principles of Genesis 1:12.  “The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”

The fruit bearing farm opened its gates to the public in 2012 and has been gaining popularity ever since.  Producing delicious blueberries good for homemade pies, fresh baked muffins, tossed salads, ice-cold smoothies or just plain eating by the handful for healthy snacking is a delight for the entire family and is growing with each season.

 “Each year our crops are growing and getting bigger” said proud owner Sarah VanderHelm.

The blueberry season typically runs from May to mid July but due to the dry heat and lack of rain this year things moved up a bit. 

“Everything shifted this year by two weeks” she said. “The season started two weeks earlier and now it is ending two weeks earlier.”

Despite the shift in the season the blueberries themselves have never been better as one VanderHelm Facebook friend says, “Your berries are sooo delicious!”

This week will be the last week of the blueberry season with the final picking day for visitors being the Fourth of July.   With temperatures nearing triple digits this week, visitors to the farm are encouraged to come out early, use sun screen and bring bottled water to sip on while picking fresh berries together.  For those aggressive berry pickers prices are reduced this final week to $2 per pound for anyone who picks over 10 pounds of berries. 

While most people love blueberries not everyone knows of the health benefits of the fruit.  According to many studies, the plump little berry is one of the world’s healthiest foods. It is not only rich in antioxidants but also aids in preventing cancer, lowering blood pressure, managing diabetes, warding of heart disease, improving mental health, fighting wrinkles and is high in dietary fiber which is a key factor in weight loss.

VanderHelm Farms presently grow 12 different varieties of this superfood (Snowchaser, Springhigh,Ventura, Jewel, Emerald, Star, Abundance. San Joaquin, Top Shelf, Blue Ribbon, Legacy and Misty)    Regardless of which type of berries visitors pick at the farm they will find each type juicy and “sooo delicious.”  Best of all, once picked, none of the berries require any prep work other than rinsing, eating and enjoying together.

They are open daily through this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on VanderHelm Farms call 209.614.8307.