According to a news report in the China Science and Technology Daily, Professor Chen Riyuan and his team from South China Agricultural University have successfully developed a new variety of blueberries with super-large size, with some berries even exceeding 42 mm in diameter.

In China, blueberries are typically graded into three grades: 12-14mm, 14-18mm, and 18mm+. Those produced in Yunnan province have an additional grade of 22 millimeters or more. Despite being more expensive due to their limited quantities, large blueberries still enjoy strong market demand. The berry diameter of the new variety is typically two to three times that of normal blueberries, with medium to large fruits ranging in diameter from 18 to 25 millimeters and the giant ones exceeding 26 millimeters.

After eight years of research and development, the new variety is considered highly suitable for cultivation in the humid climate of southern China. In addition to its large size, this variety is characterized by plump, crunchy flesh and an average sugar content ranging from 12-14%, with some berries reaching 16,9%. In China, nationally produced blueberries usually supply the market from April to September, while the imported onesThey are available from June to December. However, it is expected that this new variety can reach the market from January and that it will remain available until April. Also, while most blueberry cultivars take at least three years to set fruit, this new cultivar needs just one year to reach high production if planted correctly. Furthermore, its yield is three to four times that of typical cultivars.

To date, 15 production bases have started growing the new cultivar, with a total planting area of ​​more than 166 hectares. Numerous fruit chains, supermarkets, e-commerce platforms, and fruit export companies have contacted Professor Chen's team for possible cooperation.