Summer Berries & Cherries

Last year, here in our very own Lane County, we discovered an amazing community of local farmers, who allow regular citizens like myself to go out in their well-loved and cultivated fields, bushes, and orchards and pick fruit and vegetables at a supremely discounted rate. I call this a summer treat extraordinaire.

So last week, moms and kids found themselves among the blueberry bushes of the Adkins Family Farm. I wish I had pictures of the cuties and all the blueberries they shoved in their mouths while picking, but, alas, I forgot my camera. So, pictures of the mouth-watering fruit will have to suffice.

Oh, and the GORGEOUS queen-anne cherries were bought at Me & Moore fruit stand on the drive home from Adkins Family Farm. I drove by the sign for cherries and couldn't resist. Can you see why? That whole big bowl of cherries was only $5!!

***Here are some interesting tidbits I found out about storing blueberries after they're picked:

• Unwashed blueberries will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator if kept dry.
• Place dry, unwashed, and unsweetened berries in freezing containers or plastic bags. Seal and freeze. The berries will freeze individually and pour out like marbles.
• When using frozen blueberries in your baking, do not thaw them. Always add them frozen so they will not "bleed" in your baked goods.