July, and into August is a prime time for harvesting berries in Alaska. I find it to be very therapeutic to be out on the tundra gathering berries. Not only is a chance to be outside, breathing the fresh Alaskan air, it is a duty that has been practiced for centuries. Our Ancestors have been doing this for many years.

I have many memories picking berries. My mom would bring all her kids out to pick. She would make it a competition for who can pick the most berries. Those times with friends and family are all very fond to me.

I have sought out advice from my elders, friends and family and gathered tips for you. Get a few friends or family members together to share stories and laughter, grab some buckets, snacks and drive out on the road to open tundra.

I hope you find it enjoyable too.

What to Bring

• extra buckets - in case you fill your bucket up, someone comes along and needs a bucket & also to clean berries in the wind.

• quart size bags to store berries

• bug dope

• water & snacks

• tissue

• avoid using the "combs" to pick berries. the combs actually rip the leaves off the bushes, causing damage to the plant.

WHAT TO WEAR

• wear rain boots/hiking shoes & extra socks

• comfortable clothing, you will be walking and bending down to the tundra berries

• if it has been raining, the tundra will be very wet. Wear rain pants/gear.

4W's

who, what, where, when

• go with a group of people

• make a game plan, and be sure to let your friends and family know where you are going, and when you will be back

• pick berries far from the road. avoid getting dusty berries

• ask people if there has been any bears around the area. bring along protection for bears

• picking berries in a breeze will eliminate bugs, and is nice to clean berries

• try not to stay at one patch for too long. get the big, easy berries first and move on.

Blueberries:

Asraiviich - inupiaq for blueberries

Habitat: found on bushes on the tundra

Ripe when blue.

Used for smoothies, jellies, jams, pies, muffins, snack foods.

Don't forget to clean your berries!

When done picking, take a cookie sheet and pour the berries out flat. Pick out all the leaves, twigs, caterpillars and what not before storing berries in freezer.

Salmonberries:

Aklpik - Inupiaq for salmonberry

Naunraq, atsalugqiaq - Yupik

Tea made from salmonberry leaves was used in ancient Scandinavian herbal medicine to cure urinary tract infections - Wikipedia

Habitat: commonly found on moist boggy tundra

They are ripe when they are golden-yellow, soft and juicy. They are rich in vitamin C.

When eaten fresh, salmon berries have a distinctive tart taste. When over ripe, they have a creamy texture and flavor someone of yogurt. They are often are made into jams juices and tarts.

Tips for Berry Picking