Picking the Perfect Blackberry

Step 1. Select.

Wear Long Sleeves.

Choose plump dark berry easily within your reach.

Grasp with thumb and forefinger and gently pull.

If it doesn't drop into your hand, leave it for tomorrow.

If it drops into your hand, you may have found it.

Alert your fellow berry pickers that you think you have found a ripe berry (pick in groups of 2-3 during bear season).


Step 2. Inspect.

Study up close.

Look for critters who share your love of blackberries and who may have arrived before you.

If critter found, blow them off gently (do not try to remove with other hand or you will squish the berry).

Inspect centre. If white, not ripe. Throw it back or give it to your mom to eat.

If centre purple, this could be it.

Alert your fellow berry pickers that it is purple in the centre. Your enthusiasm will give them hope.


Step 3. Reflect.

Mmm.

Pop it into your mouth.

If it takes two swallows to go down, it was close to perfection.

If it takes only one swallow, you just ate the perfect berry.


Step 4. Repeat Steps 1-3.