Thursday, August 27, 2015

Blueberry Report

berry picking 2011
August always finds me in the blueberry patch. Almost every year I have written a blueberry report on my blog (read one here). No matter how busy I am, I get myself there for some fresh air, relaxation, and berry picking. It's also an activity that I enjoyed doing with my brother. He would get right in the bushes and make sure that every ripe berry was found! 
This year I went with my daughter and sadly the berries were not that good. This was likely due to the harsh winter, followed by frost damage in May, and a cool rainy summer. But I did manage to get enough for the annual jam making ritual.
I have had many people ask me why I bother with all the work of making my own jam. Truthfully, you really can't beat the taste of a jar of homemade blueberry jam.

And secondly, this sign says it all. I love the mess of canning and enjoy making something with my own two little hands... I can't help myself!

19 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

I love to just eat fresh blueberries! I agree that homemade jam beats store bought every time!

KaHolly said...

Yum! Homemade blueberry jam IS the best! My meadow is full to overflowing with blueberries. Ours are close to the ground and it's hard on the old body, but I'm out there every day. I don't make jam, though. Just muffins. I give a lot of blueberries away to my elderly friends, too. They can't get out to pick much anymore.

Dasha said...

Keep on making those jams! I make all sorts of jams, marmalades and pickles. Bonus is when I can get a bucket from my friends, which is rare. Jars of home made preserves are good little gifts as a "thank you" or whatever, and charity stalls love getting them. Besides all of that, you can't beat a jar of home made strawberry jam. Shop bought ones just don't make the grade any more. LOL

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have made jams from time to time and it is so soul-satisfying. And doesn't that scent of the fruit cooking down just fill the house...that's one of the best parts.

Oh and then there's the eating! :) Your jam jars look wonderful :)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have made jams from time to time and it is so soul-satisfying. And doesn't that scent of the fruit cooking down just fill the house...that's one of the best parts.

Oh and then there's the eating! :) Your jam jars look wonderful :)

Deb A said...

I agree - home made jam is the best. I've never tried blueberry but always have strawberry jam on hand. People think I am nuts canning tomato's - same deal. For $10 I can get a bunch of jars of home made tomato's all set for the winter.

Janet O. said...

Homemade is the only kind of jam I can enjoy. Which reminds me, I have way too many raspberries from my Dad's patch waiting to be jammed into jars. : )

Rebecca said...

I suspect if someone makes that comment they have never had homemade! I don't purchase "store bought" - if I run out I wait until the next season to make some more.

Marla's Crafts said...

I agree. Nothing tastes better than homemade jam. I actually went to pick rasberries this year. It is nice to have the time now. I have raspberry and strawberry jam made. Even finding time for pickles.

Marla's Crafts said...

I agree. Nothing tastes better than homemade jam. I actually went to pick rasberries this year. It is nice to have the time now. I have raspberry and strawberry jam made. Even finding time for pickles.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I love to make jam too - I never consider it work - which some people might if they ask why you do it - what some of us consider fun I guess others consider work

Bonnie said...

Just curious -- what exactly did you mean the blueberries weren't that good this year? The ones I got were bitter -- don't remember where they came from though.

Deanna W said...

It is work but so worth it when in the dead of winter you get to enjoy blueberries again!! or veggies from the garden!!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Our berry seasons were not that good either - right from the early strawberries, raspberries,black caps, and the blueberries. Just not as productive or flavorable. I don't jelly , but a student makes them with our gifted berries and usually returns the favor.

Ivani said...

Homemade jam is always the best. Your post makes my mouth water, Unfurtunatly no blue berries near where I live. Hugs

margaret said...

jam sounds delicious, I picked lots of backberries the other day but just ate them with yogurt and ice cream

Kate said...

If you enjoy it, it doesn't matter how much you make. Hope you enjoyed the whole process.

cityquilter grace said...

made jam for years....it is the best for sure!

Kaja said...

Nothing beats homemade jam - and it's not really that much trouble. Wish we had blueberry bushes like those - we planted a couple last year and this year they are about a foot/18 inches high and the blackbirds and squirrels have taken all the fruit. Ho hum.