It’s that time of year again! It’s blueberry picking time. 
I eat a lot of blueberries y’all. I mean, I pretty much keep them on hand 365 days a year. I love to eat them by the handful, in yogurt, frozen, and obviously, blueberry cobbler is ah-ma-zing! When June rolls around, I look forward to picking them fresh from a local farm.
I don’t always make it over to Piney Fork Berry Farm, but I try to go at least every other year, so there are some on hand in the freezer.
I have learned a few things over the years of berry picking – mostly by watching the older pickers and Mennonite ladies I’ve observed.
- Go early – as early as possible. This farm opens at 6AM. I don’t always make it right at 6, but it’s best when you do.
- Wear a wide brimmed hat to stay in the shade as much as possible, it can get extremely hot.
- Wear sunscreen or a long sleeve shirt.
- Take an extra pair of shoes and towel. It’s typically wet with dew so your feet get covered in dirt and grass.
- Wear rubber boots (alternative to #4 above)
- Take a belt or rope to tie around your waist and hold a bucket so you can use both hands to pick.
- Take extra plastic bags to use in the bucket.
- BONUS: My daughter in law took a wagon this year and it was great to hold the buckets, berries, and kiddos!
I truly love all the different fresh fruit seasons I have access to around here. Local strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and watermelons. I enjoy each one.
If you have the opportunity to go pick berries or fruit where you live, I highly suggest it. It will give you a new appreciation for your food.
