Food Network Picked Maine’s Best Fair Food: Wild Blueberry Crisp

Maine has entered one of the best times of year: late summer.

There’s no question it’s a wonderful time to visit. The weather is simply ideal for all the activities Mainers love most: camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and, of course, consuming massive amounts of calories at state and local fairs.

Fair Season Has Begun Here in Maine

That’s right, it’s fair season. Fairs and festivals are taking over the spotlight, bringing together Mainers and tourists alike to enjoy the state’s incredible agriculture, local artisans, exciting games, and more.

Quite possibly the most popular part of any fair? The cuisine.
Who doesn't love gorging on food that's breaded, fried, sauced, and probably on a stick? The diet takes a backseat during fair season. It’s a free pass to consume as many calories as possible.

What is Maine's Best Fair Food?

With fair food season in full swing, I thought it’d be fun to dig around and see if there’s one type of fair food that reigns supreme in Maine. Maybe even find an opinion from someone “from away” who fell in love with a local favorite. That’s where Food Network comes in.

The popular culinary site published an article earlier this year highlighting the best fair food in every state.

Their selection for Maine? It’s solid. But… is it really fair food? I’d argue absolutely not, but I can see how an outsider might think so.

So, what is this mysterious meal? That would be the delicious Wild Maine blueberry crisp.

You’ll find this tasty dessert at fairs statewide. It’s the perfect combination of fruit, crumb, and crunch (so, I guess it’s appropriately named).

It’s also a versatile dish—one you can enjoy hot, cold, or warm. A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream always elevates it to elite status.

But the true hero here is the wild Maine blueberry.

Wild blueberries are native to just one region of the country: Maine. Other states can claim what they want, but the real wild blueberry grows in the rugged terrain and cold climate of the Pine Tree State.

And Maine’s little berry of goodness isn’t just tastier—it’s healthier, too.

How Healthy are Wild Maine Blueberries?

According to wildblueberries.com, wild blueberries contain up to twice as many antioxidants as their cultivated (and frankly boring) cousins.

They also dominate in the flavor department. It’s not even close.
Wild blueberries are packed with tangy, sweet goodness. Never watered down. Always bursting with flavor.

So yes, this was a tremendous choice by Food Network—if we’re being generous and calling it “fair food.”
But honestly, it’s much more than that.

READ MORE: 35 Must-Try Maine Restaurants for Outdoor Dining This Season

Wild Maine blueberry crisp deserves to be eaten all year long. That’s what freezers were invented for—to preserve ingredients like pounds and pounds of these magical little berries.

Whether it’s the state fair, Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, a funeral, or just a random Wednesday night, don’t hesitate to serve up some blueberry crisp.

I bet you deserve it.