It’s blueberry picking time

Fresh local blueberries are finally here. The Berry Patch opened for the season on Saturday. The farm bills itself as Missouri’s largest blueberry grower, with more than 20 acres of fine picking about 20 minutes south of the city in Cleveland, Missouri (22509 S State Line Road, reachable either by Holmes or U.S. 69 Highway).

The farm’s owners, the Willis Family, keep a detailed list of picking conditions on the Berry Patch’s Web site and will provide even more information if you call the picking report line at 816-618-2771.

While it’s still early in the season for blueberries, eight inches of rain in the past couple of days has meant light crowds and lots of good blueberries. In a recorded message, Tom Willis says that mid-season blueberries should be ready for picking next week and early blackberries should be ready for picking after July 1. The berries cost $2.85 per pound. 

The farm also features different activities to keep kids entertained, including a “berry train” and a maze made of hay bales. It also has room for picnics — though after eight inches of rain, the ground is probably not in picnic-having form.

The Blueberry Patch is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.

And if you’re wondering what the heck to do with several pounds of blueberries (besides give them to grateful friends) cobbler, pie and even a liquor are all popular options.

(Image via Flickr: Greg E)