an urban girl picking raspberries
By on July 25th, 2008
So okay, you already know that I’m an urban girl born and raised in sunny Los Angeles, now living in Portland, Oregon (a fabulous green urban zone) and always promote things with a green heart. I couldn’t resist the opportunity I had the other day to take a 10 mile sojourn with some friends out to Sauvy Island to pick raspberries for $1.50 a pound. That’s insanely cheap. You and I both know how expensive they are at the grocery store. Besides that, it was so much fun. There was something very zen about picking each berry one at a time and putting them into a basket. I went home and tried to make jam and you’d think it’d be an easy thing to do. I’ve done it before but it’s been awhile. I messed up and ruined one batch. Does anyone have any suggestions on making jam with berries?
July 27th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Cheryl, I love to make jam and do it every chance I get! It’s so easy but the key is to keep the heat low so you don’t burn your berries. Here’s what I do: For every two pints of berries (about 1 pound) add one cup of granulated sugar. Cook over low heat until it’s pretty thick (I like my jam thick, cook less if you want a saucier jam). This can take a few hours so do it on an evening when you’ll be home and not rushed. You can freeze it in jars or plastic containers, or you can keep it in the fridge for a few weeks.
I haven’t been out berry picking yet but have been buying at farmers’ markets and roadside stands. I need to get out and pick though since it is so much cheaper! The blackberries in front of my house will be ripe soon though so then it will be pies, jam, gallettes, and anything else I can think of to make out of free blackberries!
Enjoy Oregon’s bounty.
Beth
http://bambootique.wordpress.com
July 27th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Beth, Thank-you so much for your advise. I think I just got really overwhelmed when I couldn’t understand the directions well and then i felt silly and dumb for not understanding. I get it now and I’ll go out and pick and then try it all over again.
July 29th, 2008 at 10:39 am
How adorable are you?! I just want to squish you up!!!!!!!!!!! It is the best going out and picking your own food.