Meet Highland Charm, the first Scottish blueberry variety
After 10 years of research, The James Hutton Institute unveiled a blueberry variety designed specifically to thrive in Highland weather: the aptly named Highland Charm.
A cross of more than 300 native North American species, Vaccinium corymbosum is described by breeders as a high-yielding variety, with a balanced sugar-acid profile, and an impressive shelf life.
A blueberry for the local market
Researchers at The Hutton labeled the berry's climate resilience as a significant advance for growers. The UK currently exports 90 percent of the 600,000 tonnes of blueberries Brits consume yearly, so Highland Charm could play a big part in helping meet local demand for homegrown fruit.
The new variety has been trialled in the British Isles and the European Union, and performed well across multiple seasons and diverse conditions. In a press release, the institute said researchers are currently exploring how the cultivar fares under different growing conditions and with reduced input systems.
Susan McCallum, a breeder at The James Hutton Institute, hopes the berry will encourage consumers to buy in-season, local fruit. "The blueberry is reliable and has performed well in trials year after year, with consistent yield, size, and taste," she said. "Growers are really excited about it."
Highland Charm is currently undergoing the licensing process, which means consumers will be able to get a taste in two to three years' time. Meanwhile, The Hutton says a sister variety currently under development will also apply for licensing next year.
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