ASSEMBLY, No. 2954

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

216th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED MARCH 24, 2014

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  SEAN T. KEAN

District 30 (Monmouth and Ocean)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Designates blueberry pie as the New Jersey State Dessert.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

An Act designating blueberry pie as the New Jersey State Dessert.

 

Whereas, Blueberry pie is a savory dessert that is rich in flavor and enjoyed by residents throughout the State of New Jersey and the United States; and

Whereas, Upon discovery of the blueberry, which is indigenous to New Jersey, blueberry pie was served as a form of sustenance for early American settlers who came to delight in both making and consuming the dessert; and

Whereas, The key to creating a delicious and flavorful blueberry pie is using fresh blueberries grown in the fertile and acidic soils of New Jersey; and

Whereas, New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the top five states in the nation in blueberry cultivation; and

Whereas, Our State has a rich and long-standing association with the blueberry, which, due to its mouthwatering taste, its many nutritional and health benefits, and its indisputable economic importance, was designated as the official State Fruit in 2003; and

Whereas, In the heart of southern New Jersey, Hammonton, in Atlantic County, is widely recognized as the "Blueberry Capital of the World"; and

Whereas, Blueberry pie is celebrated in New Jersey at the State's blueberry festivals in both Hammonton and Browns Mills, where individuals from surrounding states flock to savor our world renown blueberries and homemade blueberry pies; and

Whereas, Other states, including Maryland and Massachusetts, have taken the time to designate an official state dessert; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper that the State of New Jersey officially acknowledge the importance and delightful taste of this wondrous treat; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    Blueberry pie is designated as the New Jersey State Dessert.

 

     2.    This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This act designates blueberry pie as the New Jersey State Dessert.  In 2003, the blueberry was designated as the New Jersey State Fruit in recognition of the fruit's cultural and economic significance to our State, as well as its many nutritional benefits. The acidic quality of New Jersey's soil makes it ideal for blueberry production.  Accordingly, our state ranked fourth in blueberry cultivation in 2010 with 49 million pounds of blueberries produced, behind only Michigan, Georgia, and Oregon.

     Historically, blueberry pie served as an important source of nourishment for early American settlers.  Eventually, people came to realize that blueberry pie is at its best when made with New Jersey blueberries, as demonstrated by the popularity of blueberry pie at New Jersey's blueberry festivals in Hammonton and Browns Mills.  Today, the dessert is beloved by a large number of New Jersey citizens for its delicious taste and unique connection to our State.