Purple Dragon Needs Help Rescuing Blueberries

A local blueberry farmer is singing the blues.

His organic blueberries have soaked up too much moisture from recent heavy rains, leaving them soft and likely to ferment when refrigerated, according to Janit London, general manager of the Purple Dragon Co-Op based in Glen Ridge.

But hundreds of pints of the fruit need not go to waste, London said.

The berries are still good for canning and freezing, as well as making ice cream, jam and other treats.

They will be available in large boxes at 289 Washington St., in Glen Ridge on Wednesday, from 3 to 5 p.m., or by special arrangement (email janit@purpledragon.com).

The blueberries are 10 lbs. for $50 (about 13 pints), 20 lbs. for $90 and 30 lbs. for $125.

“Our local organic blueberry farmer needs to sell his berries so he can pay his crew and stay in business,” London said. “We would love a bunch of people to enjoy them.”