The Atlas Obscura Podcast Maine’s Burning Blueberry Fields (Classic)
Dec 26, 2025
Nicholas Lindholm, a wild blueberry farmer and co-owner of Blue Hill Berry Company, shares his passion for Maine's unique blueberries and the traditional practice of hand-burning fields. He discusses how this technique rejuvenates the crop, fosters community bonding, and maintains the ecosystem. Nicholas also highlights the challenges faced by blueberry growers today and contrasts the safety and environmental benefits of hand-burning over mechanized methods. Join him as he reflects on the rich cultural significance behind this annual ritual.
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From Anthropology To Blueberry Farming
- Nicholas Lindholm stumbled into blueberry farming after studying anthropology and working on organic farms.
- He bought land with a wild patch and now runs Blue Hill Berry Company selling at markets and CSAs.
Native Blueberries Offer Rich Diversity
- Wild Maine blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium) are a native crop with deep genetic diversity unique to the region.
- That diversity creates a wide range of flavors, sizes, and colors unlike supermarket blueberries.
Blueberries Need Specific Rocky Soil
- Wild blueberries are finicky: slow-growing, hard to propagate, and soil-specific.
- They thrive on rocky glacial soils found in Maine and the Canadian Maritimes.