Blueberries offer a wealth of nutrients including fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, and can be used in a variety of ways. Recipes on Page E5.

AP

John Macomber, owner of Macomber’s Blueberry Farm in Coventry, sent a plea last week: “Help me! I’m drowning in blueberries.”

“All the rain we have been having may be annoying for many things, but so far not for my blueberries,” he said. “I am loaded with ripe berries.”

Likewise, Carol Bragg of The Blueberry Place in Seekonk reports, “With all the rain, there’s much better than usual picking. Berries are very large.”

She said the season will run to mid-August.

All local farms grow assorted varieties of the blueberries, each with subtle differences in flavor. Likewise, each one ripens at a different time, which keeps the picking going strong for the season.

Did you know that blueberries are one of only three fruits native to North America? The others are Concord grapes and cranberries.

Now for our public service reminder: Blueberries offer a wealth of nutrients. These include fiber, vitamins including C, fructose and antioxidants. Antioxidants are thought not only to fight cancer-causing agents, but also to protect memory and enhance motor function. Blueberries may even reduce the build up of “bad” cholesterol, according to studies at the University of California at Davis.

Most of us will turn our freshly picked berries into a pie or cobbler. But they can make for a healthful treat, too. For breakfast, make a parfait with yogurt, granola and blueberries. Chop peaches or pineapple into chunks and toss with fresh blueberries.

Stir fresh blueberries into partially set sugar-free lemon-flavored gelatin, then chill until firm. Sprinkle blueberries over some peach sorbet.

Now, get picking.

Here are local farms with blueberries just waiting for you.

Always call ahead to make sure they have berries and are open.

Coventry: Macomber’s Blueberry Farm, Old Rice City Road, (401) 397-5079.

Cranston: Pippin Orchard Nurseries and Farm, 1199 Pippin Orchard Rd., (401) 828-0358.

Exeter: Schartner Farms, Route 2, (401) 294-2044.

Foster: A Ramblin’ Brook Blueberries, 6 Snagwood Rd., (401) 580-1265.

Glocester: Harmony Farms, 359 Saw Mill Rd., (401) 934-0741.

Johnston: Dame Farm, Brown Avenue, (401) 949-3657. No pick-your-own.

Little Compton: Boughs and Berry Farm, 255 Peckham Rd., (401) 635-8582.

Middletown: Sweet Berry Farm, 19 Third Beach Rd., (401) 847-3912.

North Kingstown: Smith’s Berry Farm: 320 Shermantown Rd., (401) 295-7669.

North Kingstown: Delvecchio’s Farm, 302 Potter Rd., (401) 884-9598.

North Smithfield: Goodwin Brothers, Greenville Road and Providence Pike, (401) 765-0368.

Rehoboth, Mass.: Dufort Farm, 55 Reservoir Ave., (508) 252-6323.

Seekonk, Mass.: The Blueberry Place, 44 Hope St. (off Route 44), (508) 336-3594.

Smithfield: Jaswell Farm, 50 Swan Rd., (401) 231-9043.

Warwick: Rocky Point Farm, 130 Rocky Point Ave., (401) 738-8010.

Westerly: Manfredi Farms, 77 Dunn’s Corner Rd., (401) 322-0027.