News: Updates that matter!
7/9/2026: USA Cyclospora outbreak:
At Pearson’s we don’t use above ground watering of our bushes, as our farm is naturally watered by the peat bog’s own water source. However, with cases of diarrhea caused by a microscopic parasite called cyclospora rising across several states, thoroughly washing and cooking your produce is a good idea - unless you know it’s safe. Some people don’t wash berries before eating them, and if you don’t know how they were grown or handled after being picked, then it’s best to use a 1:3 vinegar and water rinse for this particular parasite. (It’s good to ask even at farmer’s markets if irrigation was used, etc.)
Thankfully you don’t have to worry about washing our berries due to pesticides, herbicides, and parasites like this that come from contaminated water. If you do choose to wash your berries, then make sure you dry them really well or only wash what you’re ready to eat, because washing them removes the protective bloom which keeps them fresher for longer.
https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/09/health/prevent-parasite-cyclospora
Questions? Please Email us:
info@pearsonsbeesandberries.com