Tag Archives: wild blueberries

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I love huckleberries. I call them Mother Nature's antioxidant pills. Usually they begin to ripen in August and continue ripening in the months to come. In other words, some of the berries are ripe now while others on the same stem are still green. It's wonderful that huckleberries have such a long season. Now is the time to go out and find the first ripe ones. They are often the biggest and the sweetest.

I went huckleberry picking yesterday and here is my haul. It does take time and a certain degree of patience to pick them. But I enjoy wandering to each bush and finding out if they have big ones. Today Rick went out with me and we got even more. Yay!

The smaller huckleberries we leave for wildlife. We two-legged creatures aren't the only ones who covet these wonderful berries. We had some of these berries in our sourdough pancakes this morning. After I clean them, removing any stems, I can then freeze them in a freezer bag. This way we will have huckleberries all during the year. The gift that keeps on giving!

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Huckleberries - wild blueberries - are ripening up, perhaps two weeks early this year. Many bushes on our land are full of berries, a welcome sight after two subpar years.

Huckleberries by Jeanne Jackson (Large) Huckleberries by Jeanne Jackson (Medium)

These berries are extremely high in antioxidants. Many creatures eat the berries, included two-footed ones like me! This year there appears to be enough berries for all.

Not all berries ripen at the same time, so the season of berries continues for several months. It's time to go foraging for one of the treats brought to us by Mother Nature.

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Craig Tooley has a old Redwood stump near his property. Inside grows a nice, big Huckleberry bush. He spotted these two juvenile Raccoons planning on how to get them.

Yes, we aren't the only creatures who crave the Mendonoma Coast's wild blueberries! Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

If you like to see more of Craig's wildlife photography, here's his website: http://ruffimage.com/

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If you love wild blueberries, California Huckleberry bushes - Vaccinium ovatum - are loaded with berries and they are ready to pick. I call the berries "Mother Nature's antioxidant pills."

Rick came up with the ideal container for picking huckleberries. It's a box with a belt looped through it. I hook it around my waist and then I have both hands for some serious picking!

To forage for one's own food is a joy. We particularly enjoy these berries in sourdough pancakes. Brunch, anyone?