Now that it's blueberry season, hop on over to a local farm to pick your own berries - it's cheap and easy too.

Plump, freshly picked blueberries are a tasty — and healthy — summer treat.

And here in East County, the blueberry harvest has only just begun, continuing through the end of September. If you’re willing to pick the berries at U-pick farms, you can find them for as little as $1 a pound.

All About U-pick

Throughout the year you can find everything from Christmas trees to tomatoes at farms throughout East Multnomah and East Clackamas counties.

But this time of year it’s all about the blueberry.

Briana Underwood, manager of the U-pick portion of Sandy Farms, says people make the trek to the farm for a variety of reasons. She says it allows people to know what they’re eating and where their food came from.

In addition she says it’s an activity for families and friends.

“Blueberries are perfect for kids to pick because they don’t have any thorns,” she says.

The first order of business is picking a farm. Some farms open earlier in the season, some later; so make sure and call ahead to see what’s available. Prices also vary, so you’ll want to check on that as well.

Before you go, pack some buckets or bags for the berries. Your clothes may turn into an abstract blueberry art painting, so wear something you don’t mind staining. Also, “prepare yourself, you’re going to see bugs,” Underwood says. A pair of garden gloves may help ease your mind.

When you get to the farm take a moment to check in. This will give you a chance to get the low-down. The people working here are in the know, and they’re willing to share. They’ll tell you what kind of blueberries are available, which bushes haven’t been hit and what to look for. They’ll answer any questions you have.

Blueberries are relatively easy to pick. If the berries easily come off the shrubs, they’re ready. If you’re having a one-on-one wrestling match with the bush, chances are the berry isn’t ready to be picked ... or eaten.

Color is also important. Underwood suggests looking for a deep purplish blue to deep blue color. If there’s red, it isn’t ready. She also says to check for red under the berry where the sun doesn’t hit.

Berry interesting

In 2011, 65.1 million pounds of blueberries were harvested in Oregon according to the Oregon Blueberry Commission. The commission also reports that Oregon blueberries are exported to many countries including Holland, Argentina and South Korea.

Blueberries are brimming with nutrients. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, iron, fiber, calcium and much more. Blueberries are also known for being high in antioxidants. Studies have shown that antioxidants neutralize free radicals which have been associated with heart disease, cancer and other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Something tasty

Blueberries are great for just about any mood. If you’re looking for comfort food try a simple blueberry crumble. To feel and be healthy, throw a handful into your cereal. Underwood says she loves them in Chex or mixed into yogurt. Or to add a little cheer and flavor to your day, add them to your salad or pancakes.

Turn your blueberries into a delicious blueberry syrup with this recipe from Sweet Betty’s Bistro.

Ingredients:

5 cups organic blueberries, washed

3 cups water

1 cup Turbinado sugar, firmly packed (or white sugar)

1 organic lemon, whole, washed

Directions:

1. Using a sharp paring knife, peel three or four strips of lemon peel from the lemon. Skin should be about 1/2 inch wide and not have too much of the bitter pith or white part on it. Then juice the lemon, and set both zest and juice aside.

2. Place blueberries and 1 cup of the water in a medium pot. Don’t worry about stems or leaves; they will be strained out later. Using a potato masher, crush the berries.

3. Over medium-high heat, bring the berries and water to a boil, then lower the temperature to medium-low. Simmer berries for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. They will darken considerably.

4. Remove pot from heat and ladle berries into a fine sieve set over a heat-proof bowl or measuring cup. Using the back of a smaller ladle, press on the berry solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard solids.

5. Wash out your pot, then add the remaining 2 cups of water, lemon peel (not juice yet), and the sugar. Bring to a boil and boil rapidly for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens (or reaches 225°F).

6. Add blueberry juice and 2 tablespoons lemon juice and stir to combine. Boil another minute or two. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Remove lemon zest.

Store in the refrigerator for up to six months. Makes about 4 cups.

Where to U-pick

Klock Farm

931 N.E. Salzman Road

Corbett

503-695-5882

Wills Berry Hill

2305 S.E. Christensen Road

Corbett

503-313-0316

Oregon Blues

9751 S.E. Telford Road, Boring

503-663-6451

Sandy Farms

34500 S.E. Highway 211, Boring

503-668-4525

Armstrong’s Blueberries

17522 S.E. McKinley Road

Gresham

503-667-0348

Phelps Blueberries

31313 S.E. Lusted Road

Gresham

503-913-5361

Powder Blueberry Farm

17632 S.E. McKinley Road

Gresham

503-912-1010

Sandercock Blueberry Farm

44212 S.E. Sandercock Lane

Sandy

503-668-6274