Huckleberry season is alive and well this summer. I’ve had the pleasure of picking up on Crane Mountain and along the Hungry Horse Reservoir. Others pick up on Big Mountain along the trails to the summit. Later in August you can pick up in the Jewel Basin at the higher elevations.
Giant huckleberries found in 2012! The middle berry would be considered “normal”.
If you’re new to the area and never gone, just ask someone who has lived here awhile to help you out on your first time. They may not be willing to divulge their secret spots, but they’ll at least be cordial enough to send you in the right direction. After a few minutes of picking from the right plants, you’ll be on your way to a delicious pie. (Hint: 4 cups of berries makes the perfect amount for a pie and a perfect amount to put into a quart freezer bag).
Each year the crop is different and that’s why many natives will “horde” their berries in the freezer to make sure they have enough to last them through a slim season (I’m guilty!) Recently I hit what I would call, “the mother load”. Not only were the berries plentiful, but they were the largest I’ve ever picked in 20 years. Of course I cant’ tell you where… Sorry, but you’d have to marry into the family first!
Huckleberries can be used in pies, but also scones, jam, syrups, ice cream shakes and even daquiris, to name a few common uses.
