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"America's Native Berry"
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Jim Pinkham (jpinkham)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 199 W: 10 N: 149]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (734) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2007-08-23 |
| Categories: Daily Life, Food |
| Camera: HP Photosmart 945 |
| Exposure: f/2.8, 1/78 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop |
| Date Submitted: 2007-12-14 20:05 |
| Viewed: 748 |
| Points: 8 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
We were drawn to this place by a sign that said "Fresh Wild Blueberries" on the door of the garage that is the setting for this scene. Blueberries are a hallmark of Downeast Maine tourism and trade. This little place, Allen's Blueberries, on the outskirts of town, is a family operation that shows both the old and new of blueberrying.
The berries are fresh and ready to take home for pies and toppings and fresh fruit on cereals and the like. Although the setup is simple enough here in the garage, the sorting and conveyance operation is a modern step removed from the old entirely hand-processed operation.
That's not to say today's hands aren't busy. This youngster and his brother assist customers by filling the same vintage cardboard quart boxes that were in use when I was their age 40 years ago. They probably also do some hand-sorting for any unwanted berries that don't get screened by the mechanical screen at the front end of their conveyor belt system.
The boys are prone to use their hands, as well, for taste-testng -- er, "quality assurance," of their own :) -- when a berry looks particularly plump and delectable.
As for our title, the sign behind the lad reads "Maine Wild Blueberries: America's Native Berry." For a better sense of context, check out my two workshops, one chosen for an establishing point-of-view of the interior and the other a glimpse of the exterior that houses the operation.
Local farmers grow the crop in a two-year rotation, "promoting better regrowth and more production from the plants," according to a newspaper supplement from the Ellsworth American.
Interestingly, Maine does not have enough bees of its own to pollinate the plants and so imports billions of bumblebees annually to get the most from its blueberry barrens. The state's record crop was in 2000, when 111 million pounds of blueberries were produced. |
gunbud, feather, evanrizo has marked this note useful
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- gunbud
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 4588 W: 4 N: 4463]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(19980) - [2007-12-15 19:44]
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Hi Jim,
How's his mom gonna get those stains out? Very down home Maine photo which could have been taken 50 years ago without the tools or look of this stand changing at all. Up in Washington County they claim 90 percent of the blueberry production. The fields turn a brilliant red in the fall.
Regards, Tom
What an excellent and full presentation to teach us about the blueberry business. All three images work well together with your superb note. All that's missing is being able to taste the lovely berries. We can buy them over here but they are very expensive. Good work
Kath
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- Angshu
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5223 W: 179 N: 8154]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(26526) - [2008-01-02 20:32]
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Hello Jim
Thanks to the set of pictures & your note, I learnt something new today. You would have captured it in low light, but the details are well depicted. Well done!
Regards
Angshu
Wishing you & your family the very best for the new year
Hi Jim, I enjoyed your post here like a great story, like a great trip to the place.
Very good idea to post also the two WS.
You framed it here ideal
Cheers
Evangelos
