Sometimes the most delightful things occur when you least expect them. Running errands with my daughter and her 2 girlfriends the other day, we were about to drive by a local blueberry farm, that is surprisingly very close to Seattle. As I was telling these teens about this type of farm and the fact that one could go in and pick as many berries as one would like when they are……
there IT was….the sign…
U PICK BLUEBERRIES
OPEN
“Have any of you ever picked berries?” I changed my approach mid-sentence, “no” they responded unaware.
So I had to stop, didn’t I?
We had less than an hour to spare, and the teens were carefully coiffed and outfitted in their pretty pale dresses and sandals, more appropriately dressed for lunch in the city than plucking in the fields.
But they were up for the jaunt.
They took to the fields like faeries in flight, frocks and white buckets flowing, picking and eating the freshest blueberries in the land; and of course instagramming, tweeting and facebooking with gleeful abandon in this fresh rural setting.
The ancient lichen covered branches in the fields supported stems of
berries in many shades.
But when we grasped these diverse clumps and put on a little bit of pressure, just the softest, bluest, ripest berries dropped into the bucket waiting below.
A couple of pounds later, we were back on the road finishing our errands. They weren’t very concerned about the end product, but I think that spontaneous hour on the farm enhanced these savvy city dwellers with an extra level of appreciation for their morning smoothies, and so much more.
I love fresh blueberries and have since been indulging in this superfood from morning to night. In the morning I’ve been making my favorite breakfast.
Greek yogurt, a plethora of blueberries, raw almonds chopped and quickly toasted in a pan with a little olive oil and a drizzle of maple syrup.
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| Greek yogurt with blueberries, chopped toasted almonds and maple syrup |
In the evening, I love dropping a few berries in chilled white wine for color and texture, and later, a sweet, marinated treat.
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| Fresh blueberries in chilled white Bordeaux |
After this experience, I’m inspired to get out to the farms more often with children and friends or solo. It was such a treat to truly connect to the source.
Do you U Pick? I’d love to hear about your favorite outings.
Emily I haven't since a young girl at my aunts in the country. You have brought back great memories as well as making it so much fun for the girls!
xoxo
Karena
2013 Artists Series