Читать книгу The Scout's Guide to Wild Edibles. Learn How To Forage, Prepare & Eat 40 Wild Foods онлайн

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• Berries typically grow in clusters.

• Ripe berries are juicy, with a pleasantly sweet, mildly tart flavor.

Knee to waist-high blueberry bushes were a welcome sight as my sister Lynn and I hiked in the mountains of North Carolina. A handful of blueberries provided a thirst-quenching treat and an energy boost.

EDIBLE PARTS & PREPARATION:

The berries are edible raw and make a delicious, energy-filled and thirst-quenching nibble – a wonderful trail treat when hiking. Dried leaves make a decent tea. The flowers, if you should be lucky enough to be present when blooming, are a floral taste treat. See page 144 for the Double-Good Blueberry Pie recipe.

WHEN TO HARVEST:

Spring for flowers; mid to late summer for berries. Leaves throughout the season

SUSTAINABLE HARVESTING:

Don’t damage the bushes when picking. Leave some berries for birds and other animals. Birds will help spread the patch.

PRESERVING THE HARVEST:

Freeze a single layer of berries on a baking sheet, then pour them into a freezing container with a screw-top lid. Label with a date and use within a year for the best flavor. Berries can also be dehydrated. I’ve not tried drying and saving the leaves, but if you do, I’d suggest using them within a year so that the flavor isn’t lost.