Local Expert Tells Us Where The Berries Are This Season And Includes A Great Recipe Too [GALLERY]

According to the blueberry expert of Lake Nebagamon there are no wild blueberries this year due to the excessive rain followed by the excessive heat.  The blueberry expert knows all the best spots for wild blueberries in the area and was disappointed not to find her annual crop.

There are, however, a good crop of cultivated berries available at Bayfield berry patches.  Cultivated berries are large (almost the size of small grapes) and while tasty they do not have the intensive flavor of the wild blueberries.

We were delighted to find among the cultivated berries small lighter blue blueberries that are very similar to wild berries.  Many pickers pass up the smaller berries because it is faster to pick the larger less flavorful berries.  According to one of the berry patches these smaller berries are  Northcountry variety and are very similar to the wild lowbush blueberries.  With irrigation and lots of sunshine the cultivated berries of all variety are bountiful.

Fresh fruit berry pie recipe from a local grower

1 cup crushed berries

2 cups whole berries

2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup cold water

1 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

combine sugar, alt and cornstarch.  Add water and crushed berries.  Mix well.  Cook until thick and clear stirring constantly.  Cool.

Combine with the whole berries and spread in a baked pie shell.  Cool for several  hours and serve with whipped cream.