Berry picking has always been an important part of life in Newfoundland and Labrador. In the old days, berries, harvested and stored, were an important food source during the long cold months of winter.
A day out on the berry hills was, and still is, considered a welcome outing, as well as a great excuse to take a lunch and have a picnic. The best berry picking days had a nice breeze to keep the flies off.
Newfoundland and Labrador Blueberries
Blueberries are dark blue, with a whitish coating called the bloom. They grow on a low, deciduous bush. When ripe, they are juicy and taste sweet. They are also one of the easier berries to harvest by hand.
Blueberries are ready to harvest from late July to early September.
Newfoundland and Labrador Partridgeberries
Partridgeberries are often called redberries in Labrador. The low evergreen bushes have round-shaped leaves and grow in dry, acidic soil on barrens. The berries are firm and red when they are ripe. They are a member of the cranberry family and have a tart taste.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the berries are often inhabited by fruit worms until mid-September, so they are not harvested until after this time.
Newfoundland and Labrador Bakeapples
Bakeapples also go by the name of cloudberries. The plants grow in bogs and marshes and each plant bears one fruit. The berries are difficult to harvest, which makes them an expensive delicacy on the berry market. The fruit looks like a raspberry, but is golden yellow when ripe. They taste tart when they are fresh.
Bakeapples are ready to harvest from late July to mid August.
Newfoundland and Labrador Raspberries
Raspberries are brambles that grow in the woods and in clearings. The berries are ripe when they are firm, red and come away from the core easily. The fruit have a woodsy flavor, are fragile and spoil quickly.
These berries are usually ready to harvest during the month of July.
Health Benefits of Newfoundland and Labrador Berries
The berries in this province are particularly healthful because they grow in areas relatively unspoiled by development and pollution.
Berries are well known to be rich in nutrients. The best way to take advantage of this is to eat them uncooked. They can be used fresh or frozen as a topping for yoghourt, ice-cream or soy ice-cream. The berries are also delicious on crackers or stuffed into a pita pocket. Shakes and smoothies are perfect on a hot summer day.
Products Made From Newfoundland and Labrador Berries
In Newfoundland and Labrador berries are used to produce a wide variety of products, which can be purchased at various retail outlets:
- jams and sauces
- wines and liqueurs
- baked goods (tarts, loaves, breads, muffins, pancakes, squares and cookies)
- and even fresh homemade fudge
The variety of berries that Newfoundland and Labrador have to offer make a delicious treat, sun-warmed and fresh off the bush or included in the most mouth-watering and tempting treats.
Stella Walsh - Stella Walsh is a Christian writer, student of theology, elementary school teacher, committed church volunteer and photography ...
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