Did you know that blueberries are New Jersey’s official state fruit?

It appears Mississippi noticed as they now join the Garden State in having blueberries as the official state fruit.

Mississippi elementary school students found their state did not have an official state fruit and decided that the blueberry would be perfect because it is a major crop across the southern state.

For over 15 years, New Jersey has officially claimed the blueberry. According to the state’s official website NJ.gov, the blueberry, which was first cultivated in Whitesbog, became New Jersey’s state fruit in 2004.

The state website says in 2003, fourth graders at Veteran's Memorial Elementary School in Brick campaigned to make the blueberry the official state fruit. The students had their idea introduced as legislation and conducted a lobbying campaign to see its passage, including presentations to local governing bodies and a trip to the state's blueberry festival in Whitesbog, according to the state’s website.

Elizabeth Coleman White developed the nation's first cultivated blueberry.