This book, Blueberries for Sal, was one of the first books I remember form my childhood. Already a classic by the time it came to me, I think of this book each time I eat a blueberry. Of course this book was front nd center when I joined two sisters and a couple friends and a daughter to go pick berries yesterday morning. Other than finding a few wild ones, I've never gone blueberry picking before. The last time these ladies picked, the berries practically fell off into their baskets. We had to work a bit harder for these but they were delicious. At $4.49 a pound, certainly not a bargain, but I love supporting source farmers and technically, I earned perhaps $6 per hour of picking for my efforts. This farm is in a beautiful part of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Mississippi river valley, so the views alone were worth the price to pick. I couldn't get a decent picture with my camera hone.
Here's a few assorted pics. I made muffins this morning and am all ready to make a batch of jam tomorrow night.
I like these "pick your own" places too but they are definitely not cheap (and I always end up with far too much stuff), but like you say, it supports local business doesn't it. Those muffins look lovely by the way!
ReplyDeleteWith my plans to make jam, which will not be such an inexpensive gift after all compared t buying, I know they won't get wasted. DD2 and DH love them just to eat as well.
DeleteI once joined a cherry pick-up tour, and it was quite an experience. We don't have much blueberry cultivation in my part of the world. We import blueberries for the jam industry.
ReplyDeleteI'm a great lover of fruit, and it makes me sad that in order to 'keep an eye' on my body weight, I have to limit myself in the fruit department too. Anyway, I always have at home a jar of blueberry jam, the light version. It helps me assemble some low calorie treats which may successfully replace the usual temptations.
A little jam on toast goes a long way, so if it curbs a sweet tooth then I say indulge.
DeleteI have never bought blueberries by the pound, just by the quart, so it is hard for me to judge the price. But, it looks like a fun experience.
ReplyDeleteI ended up with about 10 cups or a little over two quarts, so I guess these would have been about $8 a quart? Little pundit of berries in the store are at least $2-$3 and I would guess I would need to buy at least 10 to equal my pick.
DeleteI have one word......yum!!!!
ReplyDeleteTh batter made an extra loaf of muffing bred for the freezer, so a nice treat in the future.
DeleteI know it is pricey but it is great to get out and see where your goodies come from and that is priceless.
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