Rhubarb Blueberry Jam

In Wisconsin, you can feel the shift into summer when rhubarb and blueberries show up. Rhubarb is one of the first crops ready to harvest; blueberries follow soon after. Put them together and you get a short window worth celebrating.

This rhubarb blueberry jam captures that moment in a jar. But before you make it, let’s talk about when to find these ingredients and where you can pick them yourself.

When are blueberries and rhubarb in season in Wisconsin?

Timing matters. If you want the best flavor, you need to buy or pick at peak season.

Rhubarb season

• Starts: late May
• Peaks: early to mid-June
• Can last: through July with proper harvesting

Rhubarb grows well in Wisconsin’s cooler spring weather. By early summer, many plants are already producing strong, tangy stalks. If you harvest or buy later in the season, the flavor can shift. It often becomes less tart and slightly woody.

Blueberry season

• Starts: early July
• Peaks: mid-July through early August
• Ends: late August

Blueberries need more heat. That’s why they show up later. In northern Wisconsin, the season often stretches a bit longer. Cooler temperatures slow things down and extend picking.

The overlap

The sweet spot for this jam is early to mid-July. Rhubarb is still available, blueberries are just hitting peak and the flavor contrast is at its best. Have you ever noticed how a tart ingredient can make sweetness stand out more? That’s exactly what happens here.

What to expect at a blueberry picking experience

If you’ve never picked blueberries, it’s worth trying at least once. You’ll notice a few things right away.

1. It slows you down

You can’t rush good picking. You move from bush to bush. You look for deep blue berries and test ripeness with a gentle pull. It becomes less about filling a bucket and more about being outside.

2. Not every berry is ready

Blueberries ripen at different times. You only pick the deep blue ones. That’s where the sweetness sits.

3. You’ll snack as you go

Everyone does. Fresh-picked blueberries taste different. They’re firmer, brighter and more flavorful than what you find in a store.

4. Conditions matter

Pick in the morning if you can. It’s cooler and the berries are firm. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty or stained, bring water and prepare to take your time.

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A farm to visit: White Pine Berry Farm

If you want to experience this firsthand, White Pine Berry Farm in northwest Wisconsin is worth the trip.

At White Pine Berry Farm, you’ll find a focus on sustainable growing practices, a connection between people and land and a welcoming atmosphere.

Picking your own fruit also changes how you use it. You waste less. You appreciate it more. You look for ways to preserve it.