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nafex - Re: [nafex] Re: Non-apple inquiry

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  • From: fluffy bunny <the.fluffy.bunny@juno.com>
  • To: nafex@egroups.com
  • Subject: Re: [nafex] Re: Non-apple inquiry
  • Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2000 16:59:26 +0100

Chris wrote:

I've grown Northcountry, Northsky, and Northblue (Here in zone 6 I
was looking for smaller plants as in was being used in an edible
landscape by an ornamental pond.) The berries are delicious but
*very* small (think of the average berry being 2/3 of the small
berries in a pint of Jersey blue berries). Although I know that all
the flavor of a blueberry is in the skin (and thus the larger the
berry the less flavor) in a large planting - unless you have a
specialty market where you can get a higher price - I would think the
picking would be very tedious for the return.

My reply:

Hello Chris...

You are correct. I looked at the original post and note that my
comments really are more applicable to someone in a bit harsher climate.
I guess I read the comments about the cold concerns and didn't really
note the zone indicated. I am in U.S. zone 4b and do not require
varieties as cold hardy as I have indicated in most years(but every now
and then I am glad I have some ultra tough plants around).

You are right about the size of the berries you listed, although I did
not note Northcountry to be as small as the others, and consider it more
of a "medium-sized" . IMHO Northsky and Northblue are very small.
That is what I was trying to infer with my comments about:

"It is difficult to sell the Northsky and Northland unless you give out
taste tests. They are fairly easy to sell to premium bakeries, delis,
and specialty restaurants though."

With the correct marketing I will contend you can get a premium price for
these berries. But in truth varietal decisions should be made in
accordance with the business strategy, operational strategy, and a
marketing campaign. IMHO, far to many people pick varieties solely on
the basis of what will grow and not with proper focus on how to sell and
distribute it, or it effect on overall operational concerns(Chris'
comments raise one, in regard to harvest). I think Ed Fackler sums the
problem up best when he states farmers just like to grow things. In
the end we all need to "grow" something; but the other issues are going
to create the public perception of what it truly is that we are growing.
Ultimately these other issues will determine the amount of residual
income that we have left, and if we exercise sound business logic our
discretionary income.

Thanks for the comments Chris, you made some great points.

Veyr truly yours,

The fluffy
one


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