Hello, I'm a fruit specialist with over 20 years of experience working with various fruits, including blueberries.

Blueberries are typically sweet, with a mild tartness that balances the sweetness. However, the sweetness and tartness can vary considerably depending on several factors:

1. Variety: There are hundreds of blueberry varieties, each with its unique flavor profile. Some varieties, like 'Bluecrop', are known for their sweetness, while others, like 'Pink Popcorn', are more tart.

2. Maturity: As blueberries ripen, their sugar content increases, making them sweeter. Under-ripe blueberries will have a more sour taste.

3. Growing Conditions: Factors like soil type, climate, and fertilizer can influence the sugar content and acidity of blueberries.

4. Post-Harvest Handling: Improper storage and transportation can affect the freshness and flavor of blueberries, potentially leading to a more sour taste.

5. Personal Preferences: What one person considers sweet another may find tart.

Here's a more detailed explanation of the factors influencing blueberry sweetness and sourness:

* Sugar Content: The sweetness of blueberries is primarily determined by their sugar content, primarily consisting of fructose, glucose, and sucrose. The higher the sugar content, the sweeter the blueberry.
* Acidity: The tartness in blueberries comes from their organic acids, primarily malic acid and citric acid. The higher the acidity, the more sour the blueberry.
* pH: The pH of blueberries ranges from 3.0 to 4.5, indicating their acidity. A lower pH indicates a higher acidity and a sourer taste.

In summary: Blueberries are generally sweet with a mild tartness. However, the sweetness and sourness can vary depending on the variety, maturity, growing conditions, and post-harvest handling. Ultimately, personal preference plays a role in how someone experiences the sweetness and sourness of blueberries.
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With hundreds of types of blueberries available, the cultivar fruit taste can vary from tart to sweet. If your bushes are intended to produce tart or sour fruit, you may want to select new cultivars. A common cause of sour blueberry fruit is over-production on a bush.read more >>