This time of the year I feel like I am in a race against time. VBS (Vacation Bible School) is going on. Summer is running out with a mere few weeks left. Things I meant to do stack up. Despite all of this, I must lay everything aside to harvest. When the harvest is going on I'm burning the candle at both ends.
This harvest, so wonderfull, I lay many things aside for is none other than Huckleberries. These pungent, sweet, juicy berries are so healthful. They're organic, full of antioxidants, and taste more flavorful than blueberries. In town they're selling for $30 - $40 per gallon. I couldn't possibly think to sell them though. They're much too precious. Its an important part of our winter diet.
I take as many of my kids as I can deep into secret spots in the mountains. I've been blessed to have boys who love to scout for new picking places. Its a bit of a challenge, but I even some times share my spots with a friend or two. After all, sowing and reaping is an eternal principle that never ends. The other day I took some friends to a spot I've gone to for years. There's a lot of competition in that area. I took my boys up again today and I was feeling so grateful. My oldest son found an incredible place that I'm pretty sure not too many people will find. It was just like God gave me an instant harvest on sharing my good harvesting spot from the day before. So far the kids and I have picked almost 50 lbs. I have a nice freezer shelf full and I am quite pleased.
Of course we all eat big mouthfuls while we're picking. My husband, however, usually stays home. Today he spent hours fixing our refrigerator. I was so grateful that he resurrected it. Yesterday, he worked all day fixing a 4-wheeler. When we're cleaning them, he wants to eat handfuls. I am ashamed to say that I've been hovering around them and trying to keep every body away! I need to start making sure he gets plenty and stop hording them!
I always promise the kids chocolate huckleberry malts when we get home if they pick well. We stop at the mercantile stained full of purple and pick up a box of ice cream. Then we drive home and collapse in berry and sugar ecstasy!
7 comments:
Wish I could try those berries. Now if you made a berry pie I might jump through the internet. ;-) Enjoy!
Our blueberry crop is just beginning but looks sparse this year. Those huckleberries look delicious and inviting!
Done any sprouting lately?
what fun, and how yummmy. I bet they are so good in the winter and a fresh taste of spring to come:-) Choclate huckleberry malts sound divine:-)
...and to think I thought Huckleberry was a boy's first name....
I think I'll have to try me some!
I've not had huckleberries in years. I grew up outside of Bozeman. This time of year is when i'm most homesick.
Thank you for sharing! :)
I love the pictures of Moonbeam withe the berries. The colors are so bright and cheery and her concentrated expression is priceless. :)
They are definitely tasty, best fresh though. They look alot like a blueberry and some sources say that they actually are blueberries (like the University of Montana). However, having eaten lots of blueberries both wild and tame, these are MUCH tastier. Lots more flavor and mildly tart when fresh. In my opinion, most blueberries are rather bland in comparison (no offense to the blueberry pickers).
Post a Comment