By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary
Hello, fellow nature lovers! If you're lucky enough to live in the stunning Alberta foothills, especially north west of Calgary, like we do on our little slice of heaven. You might have stumbled upon some of nature's most delicious treasures: wild berries! Oh, the joy of discovering these little jewels scattered throughout our forests and meadows. Forget those bland, watery berries you find in the grocery store; the wild ones here are bursting with a flavour that’s truly unforgettable.
On my own property, I'm blessed with a bounty of wild edibles. Let's talk about some of these incredible gifts from nature, but be careful, sometimes your helpers eat more than you can harvest
Wild Blueberries: These little spheres of sweet-tart perfection are often found in acidic, well-drained soils, often in open woodlands or heaths. Look for their small, delicate blue fruit on low-lying bushes with oval-shaped leaves. Their flavour is intensely blueberry, a far cry from their cultivated cousins. They typically ripen in mid-to-late summer, a true sign that summer is in full swing!
Wild Strawberries: Tiny but mighty! These fragrant berries hug the ground in sunny meadows and along forest edges. Their leaves are toothed in threes, and the small, red berries are packed with a concentrated sweet flavour. You'll usually find them ripening in early to mid-summer, a delightful early treat.
Wild Raspberries: These thorny canes yield juicy, bright red berries that practically melt in your mouth. They thrive in sunny openings and disturbed areas. The familiar shape of the berry, a cluster of drupelets, makes them easy to identify. Their season usually follows the strawberries, peaking in mid-summer.
Trailing Berries (Creeping Raspberry or Dewberry): Often overlooked, these low-growing vines produce dark, almost black berries that are intensely sweet and slightly tart. They prefer moist, shaded areas. Keep an eye out for their thorny stems creeping along the ground, and enjoy their late-summer bounty.
Gooseberries: These tart gems grow on thorny bushes and come in various shades of green and reddish-purple. They prefer moist woodlands and thickets. Their unique flavour is a delightful mix of tart and sweet, making them perfect for jams and pies. They generally ripen in mid-summer.
Wild Saskatoon Berries: Ah, the quintessential Alberta berry! These purplish-blue berries grow on taller shrubs and are abundant in open woodlands and along riverbanks. Their almondy-sweet flavour is truly special. Saskatoons are usually ready for picking in late June to early July, a much-anticipated time of year!
The flavour of these wild berries is simply unparalleled. They’re sweeter, more aromatic, and have a depth of flavour that cultivated berries just can't match. It's like the very essence of the Alberta wilderness is captured in each tiny bite.
Finding these treasures is part of the fun! Keep your eyes peeled in sunny openings for strawberries and raspberries, while blueberries and gooseberries prefer slightly more sheltered spots. Saskatoons often line our waterways. Learning to identify their leaves, stems, and overall plant structure is a rewarding experience.
The beauty of wild berries is that they ripen at different times throughout the summer, offering a continuous harvest. It's a wonderful feeling to know exactly when each berry is at its peak.
There's something truly magical about foraging for berries. Whether you're on a hike through the forest or simply taking a stroll around your property, the thrill of discovering a patch of ripe berries is unmatched. It connects you to the land in a very special way.
And let's not forget the incredible nutritional benefits! Wild berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre – often in higher concentrations than cultivated varieties. Eating wild is a fantastic way to nourish your body with nature's finest.
ting with these creatures and being mindful of their needs while we enjoy nature's bounty is so important. Let's leave some for our furry and feathered friends!
So, the next time you're out exploring the Alberta foothills, maybe looking for your little piece of heaven, take a moment to look a little closer. You might just discover the wild wonders of our local berries – a true taste of Alberta. Happy foraging!
