Blueberries are here

Subject: Obit: Blueberries are here
From: RangerSteve
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 05:40 PM

OK, they've been here for a while, shipped from Lord knows where (Chile?), and in half-pint boxes at pint prices. But North Carolina blueberries are available at affordable prices and next will be Jersey berries, then Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan and Canada. A whole summer of blueberries. Summer starts when North American blueberries are in the stores. (I'm not slighting west coast bb's, they just don't get shipped out this way).


Anyway, I've done muffins, corn bread, Irish soda bread with bb's, along with bb short cake. Does anyone have any other recipes for blueberries that they care to share?

Subject: RE: Obit: Blueberries are here
From: RangerSteve
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 05:41 PM

Oh Hell, damn, crap. I thought I made this a BS, but hit Obit by mistake. Please, someone change this. I'm sorry. Damn damn damn damn damn.....

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 05:49 PM

Got it for ya.:-)

I mixed them in with half plain yoghurt and half cottage cheese. Makes a great veggie, protein rich meal.

I also use them in smoothies with rice milk, rice protein powder, and a banana. Yummy!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Arkie
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 06:05 PM

The blueberries we get in Arkansas will certainly be from somewhere else this year. A late freeze in the state wiped out our Arkansas blueberries.   I hope it did not do permanent damage to the plants. At least we still have some blueberries in the freezer from last year.   They will last a while.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 07:10 PM

I have hundreds of wild blueberry bushes on my property in northwest Florida. We're far enough south that we weren't hurt by that late cold snap, but what's hurt us has been lack of rain. We've been picking for a couple of weeks already, but much of the crop so far has been too sour and seedy to eat. Fortunately, we've had a couple of inches of rain over the last few days and the berries are starting to plump up a bit and turn a bit sweeter. As long as it doesn't rain so much that they explode we might have a decent year after all.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Rapparee
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 07:51 PM

Wash, mix with a little sugar, mash very slightly, serve over angel food cake, top with creme fraiche.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: pattyClink
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 07:56 PM

We're winding down our season here, a bit sparse with the dry weather.

put your pancake batter on the griddle, sprinkle some berries on top, cook, flip, rinse, repeat.

spread them on a cookie sheet and freeze, then stick in freezer bags, use in the winter.

add to LEMON muffins rather than plain.

use in muffins with cranberries and nuts as well, nice combination.

But, incredibly, the highest and best use of blueberries is the simplest (okay, not counting pick-one-eat-one). Ready? This is it, the best. Pick at dawn if possible. Put a bunch of them atop a bowl of Rice Krispies. Sprinkle gently with sweetener. Add whole milk. Chow down.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 08:04 PM

Blueberry Grunt

Sauce

2 cups (500 mL) fresh or frozen blueberries   

1/4-1/2 cup (50-125mL) granulated sugar

1/3 cup (75 mL) water



Dumplings

1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour      

2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar   

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt         

1/2 tbsp (7 mL) butter      

1/2 tbsp (7 mL) shortening   

1/3-1/2cup (75-125 mL) milk

vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, as garnish


Directions
Wash and drain berries, combine with sugar and water and bring to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until berries are soft and sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in butter and shortening with a pastry blender. Stir in just enough milk to make a soft dough. Drop the batter by spoonfuls on top of the simmering berry sauce. Immediately cover saucepan and cook over medium heat without removing cover for 15-18 minutes.
Serve warm with ice cream orwhipped cream.   Serves 4-6.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Bee
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 08:51 PM

Wild blueberry jam:

Pick the blueberries, making sure you have about fifteen to twenty percent under-ripe (natural pectin). Wash, put in pot, don't add water. Add sugar to taste. Simmer until berries begin to burst. Put up as you like in jam jars, or just leave in covered bowl in fridge and let the family have at it on bread, biscuits, etc.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: pattyClink
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 08:59 PM

ooohh, that sounds good!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:36 PM

I can hardly wait to get to the swamp and see what kind of season will have. Bobad you better keep your fingers crossed and with luck I'll have a bucket for you come festival time.
beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 09:51 PM

What makes for a good blueberry season around your parts, Beer?

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:08 PM

I believe it's about the same anywhere in Canada. If there is a late frost and the flowers are out then a lousy crop to be had. Other countries I don't know.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:18 PM

Was there a late frost out your way this spring?

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: paddymac
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:48 PM

I used to have a place with blueberries and Flor-Ala peaches. I refused to use all the sprays and other cultivation tricks to make pretty peaches, so they were usually sort of stunted and with lots a bug bites. One time, for lack of any other idea of what to do with the peaches, I made a batch of peach-blueberry preserves. Instant success.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 10:49 PM

Late frosts probably do more damage to farm-raised blueberries than to wild plants. There's more genetic diversity in a wild population so all the plants don't bloom at once. A single late hard frost might knock out the plants that are already in bloom, but it won't hurt the ones that haven't yet bloomed. It takes an unlikely series of three frosts at the right times to kill all my plants' bloosoms.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Bee
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 11:07 PM

Blossoms have been out here about two weeks (but this is cold, wet, coastal - inland a bit they were earlier, no doubt). The flowers this year are large and numerous, so with luck and enough bees, a good year.

And soon it will be strawberry time, whereon I shall as usual make a pig of myself!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 11:10 PM

Strawberries began two days ago around here and look good, I plan on getting a basket tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Jun 07 - 11:38 PM

Years ago a friend turned me on to fresh fruit pureed and puffy with just a dash of sugar, if needed, on top of pancakes instead of syrup. Lovely. Peach is my favorite but most berries are also wonderful.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 12:02 AM

bobad, that sounds delicious!

They started picking sweet cherries on June 5th around here. They are very large this year, but the grower said there weren't very many. It's been dry, that may be why. The apricots are ready, too, and peaches will be soon. Fresh peach ice cream is a fav. of mine!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jun 07 - 07:58 AM

We did have a late frost but not to damaging I hope. Picking up a basket of strawberries today.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 12:10 PM

Just spent 2 hours in the swamps and got about a piece of pies worth. Not good, not good at all. the bushes are almost completely without. Will check a different spot in a week or two. Bobad, I maybe returning your buckets empty.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:46 PM

Well that's too bad, looks like a big berry bummer for this summer, however we always have next year to look forward to, mother nature can be fickle.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 11 Jul 07 - 03:59 PM

In Western Washington in the Cascade mountains I used to pick huckleberries and blueberries. There are red and blue huckleberries so you tell the difference by the plant shape and the size of the berries. Huckleberries are much smaller. Mix any of them together in muffins and they're beautiful (and if you leave out the whole wheat flour to get the light batter you can do red, white, and blue muffins for July 4).

SRS

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 04:13 PM

4 years ago on the 11th I wrote that there were no Blueberries. I will be going in the swamps hopefully tomorrow to check what is happening for 2012.
Adrien

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 04:28 PM

We have blueberry bushes in front of our porch. We have a good yield this year.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Wesley S
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 08:17 PM

I was surprised to read recently that here in Georgia - blueberries have surpassed peaches as a money crop.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 09:26 PM

interesting Wesley

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Arkie
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 09:46 AM

Last year was another bad year for blueberries in Arkansas. This year was much better. But we did not wait for the big plump berries. We loaded up as soon as we had a chance and have several shelves in the freezer full. We should make it until the next crop. The Dept of Agriculture in Arkansas introduced blueberry farming several years ago after studies on which areas of the state were most suitable. Fortunately, Stone County now has several blueberry farms including one big operation that ships berries out of state.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Charmion
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 10:25 AM

Eastern Ontario is serious blueberry country, and the first pick is already in the markets here in the city. Unfortunately, we're also having a drought this year, so the rest of the season is in doubt, not least because the bears will be hungry and pickers don't like competing with the bruins.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 03:18 PM

We've had an odd blueberry year. Some of our bushes that are usually good producers haven't done anything while others have born bumper crops. I suspect the warmer than average winter caused the early bloomers to flower before the bumblebees that are their main pollinators hatched out.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Allan C.
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:30 AM

Our BB bushes (high bush) were pruned somewhat radically two years ago. Last year we got more at one picking than we had ever gotten in the total of the five prior years. This year we are getting close to a quart from each picking of two bushes. Wonderful!

Carmen's current favorite thing to do with them is to spread peanut butter on a slice of bread and then cram as many blueberries as possible into the PB. She says it is great tasting and that she gets a lot of "mileage" off a single serving.

Lately she is wondering if it is possible to overdose one's self on blueberries.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: kendall
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:55 AM

If I were to get caught buying blueberries from anywhere but Maine they would deport me to Massachusetts.
Never buy any edibles from Chile; they still use DDT you know. We banned it here but we still sell it to other countries. It's called capitalism.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: kendall
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 07:00 AM

By the way, Maine is the biggest producer of wild blueberries in the world. 15%.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:19 AM

kendall...
this denotes otherwise.

But, it may be incorrect. Where did you learn of DDT in Chile. It is of concern to me.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Midchuck
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:29 AM

Started picking blackberries today. Filled a 2-quart pan, the first day picking. Traditionally, they come ripe in the beginning of August, here (Central VT).

P.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:34 AM

Well , here are som interesting ststs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberry#United_States


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Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:12 PM

Haven't went out to check as yet. Had rain the last few days. Not enough to get your pencil wet but enought to discourage picking wet berries. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. But man do we need rain. I have a feeling that all that will be there will be shriveled up berries.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:24 AM

Another wait. It's pouring. Hopefully tomorrow.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:50 AM

You're lucky to be getting rain - we're shrivelling up here.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 05:19 AM

Same here. One 20 minute heavy shower in a few weeks on my lawn. Mind, I ain't mowing much and my back enjoys that part of it.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: EBarnacle
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 01:05 AM

We keep it simple. Mix our picked wild berries in with homemade yogurt, either frozen or regular.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: kendall
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 09:18 PM

Yahoo and google are so handy when I have a question.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 10:13 PM

Picked 7 liters today. Looks good but I will have to be on alert. Very strong evidence that black bear visited as well. I have a starting pistol that I think I'll take with me. Along with my filleting knife. I'll go around 11 in the morning as they or it should be finished eating by then.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 07:46 AM

Beer... make a fair bit of noise and take a buddy with you. They often eat from first light until full and then take a nap very close to or IN the feeding area, especially if there is a breeze. As for a knife, good idea but a long pointy stick is my preference. I used to keep an ash stick about 12' long at my camp and always had one in my truck about 6'6" that doubled as a walking staff.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 08:08 AM

Walking stick I also carry in my truck but to take it in the swamp/brush area would only hinder my movement. Think I'll take my camera today.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 05:48 PM

Had a great day. Here are a few pictures.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 06:02 PM

Oops!! that shouldn't have happened. Maybe a clone could remove my blue link please.
Thanks,
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 10:31 PM

Thank you.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 10:53 PM

I think I got it.


https://plus.google.com/u/0/105264597814788639848#photos/105264597814788639848/albums/5767447228715604913


YES!!
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 05:19 AM

"We are unable to fetch this album at this time. Please try again later."

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 10:04 AM

Google

403. That's an error.

We're sorry, but you do not have access to this page. That's all we know.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 10:26 AM

Ad, that album is there, but that photo with that number is not.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 10:37 AM

Or I should say, that ALBUM isn't there. Maybe you just need to allow access?

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 11:10 AM

I think you hit the nail on the head Jeri. Try it now.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 11:34 AM

Works great now! Wow, you are livin' the life!
Around here, the birds have located some blueberries, or maybe there are elderberries out back. The latter is probably more likely judging by the purple-blue shad of bird poop on various surfaces.

...and that pie looks GREAT!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 11:52 AM

Nice pics. Put on a pot a King Cole tea and get out the ice cream!

I have never seen high bush blueberries in the wild.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 11:59 AM

Good to see the source of the richest and tastiest berries I have ever eaten - they ooze the deepest purple juice I have ever seen (hey that's a good name for a band)

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 04:53 PM

Taste great to Jeri.

Gnu, when I first moved to Ormstown and found out there were wild blueberries my eyes lit up. My eyes grew even bigger when in some areas I had to reach up and pull the branches down to pick some. I had never seen this before as well.

Bobad, you better keep your fingers crossed. I'm just starting to pick and unfortunately for you my sexy sister-in-laws and cousins on my wife's side come first.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 03:16 PM

I picked 1.5kg this afternoon at Sobeys. Washed and "individually" flash frozen from Oxford, NS for $4.49. I know they won't taste like the ones I used to pick on the edges of the bogs waaayyy back in the woods but beggars can't be choosers. Besides, they will be going into pies.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 03:29 PM

Gnu,
How bout i snap of a branch of the high bush ones and dry them then send you them to see if you can grow the high bush one. What ya think??
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 03:51 PM

Excellent, Beer! Thanks.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Cats
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 05:47 PM

When I was a Counsellor at the Wohelo camps in maine back in the 70's it was always a tradition that when the first Bluebeery pie of the season was served we could ask for a Blueberry Lick Up which meant we could lick our plates clean! A strange custom for a young girl from the UK to understand first time round!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 06:39 PM

I licked my plate last evening when I finished the piece of B. pie and ice cream. No one was around and if my wife had seen the plate she would have said you let the dog lick your plate again.
That has got to be the best. Just licking the plate clean.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 11:14 PM

Gnu,
reached way up this evening. I would say 9/10 feet. Pulled the branch down and placed some berries in a small container for you. They are now spread out to dry.
ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: GUEST,Lighter
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 03:26 PM

After all the political and crazed-killer threads, I find just the *title* of this one refreshing.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 03:35 PM

Thanks, Beer!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 04:26 PM

maeve is a trooper! She sent me these links re planting blueberries and I am sure she won't mind me posting them...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCMKfXdRiV4

http://umaine.edu/blueberries/factsheets/home-garden/growing-blueberries-from-seed/

http://www.ehow.com/how_7764277_dry-blueberries-seed.html

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Seeding-Propagation-733/Blueberry-bush-seeds.htm

Right... I am off to look at the links.


THANKS MAEVE!!!

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 09:30 PM

I didn't start this thread Lighter, but i like your comment very much.

Gnu, picked some Huckleberries and will send you some as well. Separated from the blueberries of course.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 09:45 PM

Thanks... even tho I ain't got a clue what a Huckleberry is. Google says it's a good jam berry.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 09:59 PM

It sure is.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 26 Jul 12 - 09:21 PM

Beer! No one told me there are bears down here! And I have not even SEEEN a wild blueberry!

If there are bears, one usually wears "bear bells" - a tin can with pebbles in it tied to your belt so it makes noise as you walk and lets the bears avoid you.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 12:09 AM

From where you are living you should be able to smell them. The blueberries I mean. As far as a protective method for bears are concerned i prefer to use a silent mode. No explanation to be given.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: GUEST,999
Date: 27 Jul 12 - 12:25 AM

"If there are bears, one usually wears "bear bells" - a tin can with pebbles in it tied to your belt so it makes noise as you walk and lets the bears avoid you."

Yeah. They did that in Alberta, what with both black and grizzly. End of the season they could the audio-track the bears by the tinkling sounds in their stomachs.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 04:34 PM

Well your lucky Bobad. I managed to pick you about 4 litre's of those cherished berries. Got bit hard as well. Have a look at the culprit that did it.
http://www.dermnet.com/images/caterpillar-dermatitis/picture/12802


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I should be up your way come September and will deliver them. Otherwise you'll have to get your butt down here.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: bobad
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 05:32 PM

Wow Ad, I'm blown away by your generosity - I must get something together to give you in exchange.

As for the caterpillar, from what I see it is the hairs of the caterpillar that cause a reaction upon contact with the skin which is called caterpillar dermatitis. This is the first time I've ever heard of this.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 06:51 PM

The stores here in western Canada have large fresh blueberries at present, the taste is rather bland (high bush).
Frozen "wild blueberries" are also available and have good flavor, we put them in pancake batter or make pies. The color is strong and leaves stains if the bags are porous. We can't get these fresh. They are also called "low bush.". If we can get to acidic wooded areas in southern B. C., we can gather them.

I presume our large blueberries available fresh here are grown in British Columbia and the small wild blueberries mostly are processed in eastern Canada.

Several berries are called blueberries, that name is rather meaningless unless one sees them.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: gnu
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 07:04 PM

I was shocked and pissed today. Blueberries from BC distributed by a company in Florida in the Sobeys just up the street. If I drive 20 minutes to the south I am up to my ass is blueberries in the hills of Albert Co., NB. We grow a shitload of blueberries in NB. And, NS is a spit away and they grow massive amounts of blueberries. BC??? FLA??? WTF!!!???

Just like the cranberries. We got em up the ass here but the NB government decided Ocean Spray needed a whack of NB land real cheap for cranberries... fuckers are gettin greased fer sure. Oisses me off and I am sure it pisses off the NBers who have toiled for years building the cranberry industry.

Subject: RE: Blueberries are here
From: Beer
Date: 11 Aug 12 - 10:09 PM

About a mile from where I pick the wild ones are farms upon farms of blueberry growers. They can sell them to whom ever they want but I won't be a buyer.
Bobad, it was just over a week ago that my 13 year old grand son showed me a caterpillar and informed me that some of them bite. I didn't know this as well. Then when I was bit/infected/ stricken or what ever a few days ago I immediately looked close to remember its markings. It was like a running type of burn, if that makes sense. Lasted about 10 minutes. Then my bad blood took over and neutralized it.