On a day trip to Canada from DownEast Maine, we took a boat across to Deer Island from Eastport and drove across the small and gorgeous island to St George and then NE towards Saint John. On the way, we passed a blueberry store near the town of Pennfield, on Route 1. A line of cars were parked outside.
We didn't think much of it as there are plenty of blueberry stands all along the road in New Brunswick and Maine this time of year, but on the way back 4 hours later and getting nearer to dinnertime, we decided to stop and pick up some for supper, just as they were closing for the day. And there were still a line of cars. And a line of people. Now I know why.
Great product!
Thinking we were going to buy a quart of berries for a pie later, we walked up to the stand and realized that not only do they sell fresh picked blueberries, they also sell 10 varieties of blueberry and fruit pies, jams, muffins and ice cream. Home made. So we ordered a blueberry/raspberry pie, 5 pounds of blueberries, 1 blueberry jam, and 6 ice cream sundays: 2 blueberry, 2 raspberry, 2 chocolate. Each sunday made to the flavor of the topping. Fantastic!
I don't know if it was the weather, gorgeous, the scenery, gorgeous, the family time, great, the time of day, hungry, but that may have been the best blueberry sunday I ever ate! Ok, I haven't eaten many, but you know what I mean. Can't beat fresh blueberry or raspberry crushed and whole berries for sauce, picked from the field fresh that morning topped over home made blueberry and raspberry ice cream. I think the vote was unanimous!
Later, after dinner, we ate their pie and I thought two things: excellent - why bother baking one myself, and; why didn't we buy 10? The price? $6.50!!!! I know. I KNOW!!!!!!! Today, back in LA, I tried the blueberry jam finally and it is also excellent. So hard to make blueberry jam, as it is a delicate berry and easily loses it's flavor and essence in the heating process. This was as good as I've had - and I've had a lot of blueberry jam.
What did we do with the fresh blueberries? Home made blueberry pancakes and pie and just ate a bunch of them fresh and natural - the way God made 'em! You think you've eaten a blueberry? You haven't until you've eaten one grown around here. DownEast Maine and Southern Maritime Canada - the perfect climate for one perfect berry.
I will be back - next year. read more