Blueberry Picking Together

Jasmine and Daddy picking berries

YUM!

It was an idea that's been brewing in my mind for days. As a child I vaguely remember going blueberry picking with my mother. I remember her teasing me that I ate more than I put in the bucket. 

Laura and Jasmine

Earlier today my husband called around. One farm was closed. The owners had retired. Luckily the next one was open and ready for pickers!  We filled a cooler with ice and waters and were off.

Working Hard

The farm was about 30 minutes from our home, but well worth the drive. I had been wanting to buy some bulk berries for awhile. I am really wanting to try canning, making blueberry jam, etc. This seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Smiling while she works

We only picked for an hour.  There was a heat advisory in our area. Being out too long in the sun could have become dangerous. We drank plenty of water, and sought shade when needed.

Megan

Jasmine

Sure enough, the five of us picked 18 pounds of berries in that hour.  We felt so triumphant!  As a family, we decided we wanted to go again.  We also plan to pick peaches and apples when they are ready for harvest!

Laura

My goal is to get my pantry built back up. I don't want to be as dependent on the grocery stores.  The rising prices are tough on us.  I also am working on cutting out processed foods. Making our own, using simple, natural ingredients, is becoming important to me.  My health has had challenges that has led me to a avoid additives and chemicals that could exacerbate my symptoms. 

Megan with some of the haul

I would love to go blueberry picking again in a couple of weeks. We will have to see if our finances can afford to purchase more berries. There are so many ways to cook, can, and freeze blueberries that we surely will be using them a lot!

Jasmine holds over ten pounds with the 2 buckets