This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Albertsons. All opinions are 100% mine.
What Is A Huckleberry?
Huckleberries are a wild berry that are commonly found in the Pacific Northwest. Although different varieties can be found in different regions throughout the U.S., living in Idaho, we are most familiar with the Northwest huckleberry. They are smaller than a blueberry and can be dark purple, blue, or even bright red in color. They are delicious on their own or as an add-in in ice cream, shakes, pancakes, oatmeal, etc… but my favorite way to eat huckleberries is in huckleberry jam (recipe below)
What Do Huckleberries Taste Like?
Huckleberries taste like a cross between a blueberry and a blackberry (in my opinion). They are tart and sweet and oh so delicious. Their skin isn’t as tough as a blueberry and they are a little more juicy.
Are Huckleberries Healthy?
YES. Huckleberries are considered to be a “super food”, right up there with the acai berry and the lingonberry. They have high levels of antioxidants and rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin C, iron, and potassium. They can help lower cholesterol, fight against immune deficiencies, and protect against ulcers (just to name a few of their super powers).
Where To Find Huckleberries
You can find huckleberries in forested areas in the Pacific Northwest. Being from Idaho, we just have to venture a little ways up into the mountains before finding an abundance of huckleberries. Huckleberries look almost like small blueberries and grow in shrub-like bushes. Unlike blueberries (which grow in clusters), huckleberries grow as single berries throughout the bush. This makes them more difficult to pick in bulk than blueberries and why they are more expensive. Picking huckleberries takes some patience. It took us about an hour for 5 of us to pick about 1 quart. It has become a fun tradition for us that our kids have grown to love.
Where To Buy Huckleberries
If you want to save yourself hours of picking (and multiple mosquito bites… and possible bear encounters), just buy some huckleberries. Not every grocery store carries huckleberries, but when they’re in season, you can often find them at your local Albertsons stores. Albertsons on Broadway and Market Street offer fresh Huckleberries. You can buy them in different amounts/options to create your own delicious recipes or look for a variety of store-made Huckleberry items throughout every department. I found these fresh huckleberries at the Albertsons Market Street in Meridian Idaho, but you can ask your local Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Safeway, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, and Tom Thumb about Huckleberries. Don’t forget Albertsons also offers Grocery Delivery and Drive Up & Go™ for convenient ways to shop!
Fun Facts About Huckleberries:
It is VERY difficult for huckleberries to be cultivated, dare I say almost impossible. They grow best in the wild because of their unique root systems. If you try to plant the berries, a bush may grow but it will be berry-less. It illegal to pick and sell huckleberries commercially in many places. For huckleberries to be picked for commercial use, pickers need to have special permits and can only pick in certain areas. Huckleberries are a high-nutrition super-food (read more above) Bears are also big fans of huckleberries so be extra careful when foraging for them on your own
Huckleberry Jam
Of all the things you can make with huckleberries, huckleberry jam has got to be my favorite. It’s a little tart and not too sweet. We love putting it on everything from our easy homemade bread to honey whole wheat bread to homemade dinner rolls. It’s even great over ice cream or swirled into cake batter to kick your cake up a notch.
How To Store Huckleberry Jam:
Like any other jam, huckleberry jam can be stored several different ways for you to enjoy later.
In the Refrigerator: Simply put you jam in air-tight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeksFreezer Jam: Place the jam in air-tight freezer containers (leaving at least 1/2″ at the top to allow for expansion) and freezer for up to a year.Canned (processed): Place the jam in sterilized glass jars. Place on new, clean lids and seal with rims. Process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes then allow to sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Check if jars have sealed before storing. For best quality, use within a year.
What If My Jam Doesn’t Set?
There are so many variables that can factor into huckleberry jam not setting. Some berries are juicier than others, causing the jam to be extra liquid-y. Sometimes elevation or even humidity can play a role in jam not setting. It happens, even to the most experienced jam-makers. If your jam hasn’t set in 48 hours, there’s a good chance it probably won’t set at all. Don’t worry, if this happens, not all is lost! You have a couple options: 1. Use your jam as huckleberry syrup or ice cream topping (SO GOOD) 2. Re-cook it (we found a great tutorial for re-cooking your jam here).
More Delicious Jam And Jelly Recipes:
Fresh Strawberry JamRaspberry Peach Freezer jamStrawberry Freezer JamJalapeno Jelly
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