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Wednesday, July 22. 2015

What is a Huckleberry?

Reader brought up the topic. I've seen patches of what we called Huckleberries growing on field edges in New England. Never tried to eat one and never heard of people picking them. Next time I see some, I'll try them before the grouse get them.


There are several plants around the country which people term Huckleberries.


At some point, Huckleberry became a term of affection.


Wiki on Huckleberries


Where Do Huckleberries Grow?

Posted by Bird Dog in Natural History and Conservation at 14:26 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

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When young I spent summer vacations with my grandparents in south Georgia, where I picked many quarts of huckleberries in the woods around the house. The berries are smaller and a little sweeter than blueberries, and make an unbeatable cobbler. Hot out of the oven, with some vanilla ice cream spooned into the bowl ... well, you can't get much closer to heaven. Brings back a lot of good memories.
#1 Cleve Watson on 2015-07-22 17:50 (Reply)
Huckleberries grow in the Rocky Mountain West, particularly Idaho and Montana, and put blueberries to shame. I have never heard of anyone domesticating them. Ripe approximately August 15. Pie and pancakes. Don't waste them on jelly, though jelly and syrup from Montana are sold commercially here. I miss huckleberries dreadfully. Blueberries are no substitute.

I now live in the Seattle area, and we have Evergreen huckleberry. Have some in the yard and consider it inedible, but it's a good native evergreen. We also have Red huckleberry, edible, but I don't bother. I have picked huckleberries at the Point Reyes National Seashore -- dwarf plants, tiny berries, but big on flavor. You develop an eye for the plants and can spot them anywhere.
#2 the Elephant's Child (Link) on 2015-07-22 22:37 (Reply)
We live in Idaho and plan a couple of camping trips each year in August to our favorite spots with huckleberries. Pancakes with fresh huckleberries are delicious.
#2.1 altered states on 2015-07-23 12:51 (Reply)
I'm lucky enough to live somewhere that huckleberries are prolific. They are wonderful things. Tart and sweet and deep with flavor. More interesting to eat than a blueberry. They make incredible pies. I have great recipes for everything from cheesecake to ice cream to cobbler and coffeecake. Every Thanksgiving I make a huckleberry pie from the berries we pick in the summer. We usually like to get at least 2 gallons a year. That takes my husband and me a good 4-5 hours of picking.

You cannot domesticate them. They are very fickle things. They like certain locations, certain moisture, etc. We have seen people try to steal them from the popular public picking spots. What a waste! The plant will live, but will never produce berries for the thief.

I love that they are wild only and in great abundance around here. It is a family activity for most. Everyone tends to have some in the freezer.
#2.2 MissT on 2015-07-23 15:46 (Reply)
Huckleberries were native to the mountains where I grew up, and lots of folks picked them. Pies were bit for fresh ones, but a lot of jam was made as well. Had a really rich taste.
#3 Frances on 2015-07-22 23:05 (Reply)

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