"Wild blueberries are a treasure. With twice the amount of antioxidants and a third more fiber and anthocyanins than regular blueberries, the wild variety is generally smaller but sweeter than standard ones. Wild blueberries are also referred to as "lowbush" blueberries and are native to North America and are difficult to cultivate, while conventional blueberries are known as "highbush" blueberries and are more easily cultivated and farmed."
"The summer of 2025 was one of Maine's driest summers on record in the past 30 years. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of early March 2026, the majority of the state is experiencing either a moderate or severe drought, with one small coastal area spanning York and Cumberland counties labeled as extreme drought."
"In severe drought conditions, the overall yield and size of produce of specialty crops are negatively impacted, so it's no surprise that wild blueberry growth was impacted in 2025. Maine's continuing drought will likely have an effect on 2026 wild blueberry harvests as well, driving up prices and leading to a smaller overall supply of the small, prized berries."
Wild blueberries are nutritionally superior to conventional blueberries, containing twice the antioxidants, a third more fiber and anthocyanins, and are smaller and sweeter. Native to North America and difficult to cultivate, wild blueberries are called lowbush varieties, while conventional blueberries are highbush types. Maine produces the largest amount of blueberries worldwide and supplies about 98% of United States-grown wild blueberries to national and international markets through flash freezing. However, Maine experienced one of its driest summers in 30 years in 2025, with most of the state currently experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions as of early 2026. Severe drought negatively impacts specialty crop yields and produce size, directly affecting wild blueberry growth and future harvests, resulting in higher prices and reduced supply.
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