Monday, July 1, 2013

Blueberry Picking!

Have you ever been to a pick-your-own blueberry patch?  Neither had we until 2 weekends ago when I ventured out with a friend.  Packed up the kiddos and made the short drive just outside of town, about 35 minutes.

We were greeted by a friendly gal, later introduced as a neighbor who helps out when they're short handed, who gave us instructions:  You'll walk out to these markers.  The farther back you go in the row, the better the picking gets.  When you pick, pull up, not down on the plant.  And, pick only the bluest of blueberries; not green, not crimson, blue with a little white haze on them.  That's how you know they're good.  And if you need to taste a few to make sure you're on the right track -wink-wink- that's allowed.

Well, the 2 year old with us took that tasting part to heart - we are quite sure he ate half his weight in berries while the rest of us picked.  Thankfully they know that's going to happen and had no problem with his berry-stained paws!  All our fellow pickers were really friendly too.

Have you ever tasted a blueberry right off the bush?  It's the most amazing thing. Ever.  We will be doing this every year.  A tradition that starts now.

After we had enough in our buckets, and the kids were beginning to complain about thirst and heat we went up to the little store and enjoyed popsicles and cold drinks and were regaled with a whole host of blueberry items - blueberry honey, preserves, lemonade, muffins (of course).  I picked just over 2 pounds and my friend just under - and we walked away for a total, get this, under $13.  Even the snacks only came up to about $5!  How can you beat that for an inexpensive, delicious, get the kids out in nature, outing!?  She was making a pie.  I made blueberry pancakes the next morning.  And we've been enjoying and sharing our prize pickings.  Such a treat.

Thanks so much for the hospitality of The Berry Patch, we will never look at blueberries the same way again!

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