In photos: Early season for blueberries, New Jersey’s state fruit

New Jersey is as blue as ever. Not Democrat, not depressed. Just blue.

Blueberries, the state’s official fruit, are ready 10 days early this year. Farmers markets, supermarkets, roadside stands and pick-your-own farms are stocked, thanks to this year’s unusually warm weather.

According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the state is fourth in the county for blueberry production. The Garden State produced 62 million pounds of blueberries last year, 95 percent of which were harvested in Atlantic and Burlington counties.

And of course, blue means green. Last year’s production was valued at $94.7 million.

Want to make sure you get the most out of your blueberries? The Department of Agriculture recommends picking berries that are plump, washing them as you go and storing them in the fridge or freezer.