Berry picking can be a fun and nutritious way to pass a summer afternoon.
In late summer, all sorts of summer berries become ripe and are ready to be picked.
Even people who don't have berry plants in their yards can pick berries, by taking a trip to a local berry picking farm.
Make sure you have containers to hold the berries that you pick.
Most of the picking farms do not provide buckets.
It is recommended that each person have their own bucket.
If you plan on picking a large amount you may want to bring more than one bucket per person.
Summer berries include the popular strawberries and blueberries that are often featured at pick your own farms, as well as blackberries and raspberries.
Sometimes blackberries and raspberries grow in the wild.
If this is the case, and if the bushes are not on private property, these berries are also good for picking.
Berry picking can be messy business.
Berry juice stains are nearly inevitable after a day at the berry picking farm.
Don't wear nice clothing that you will regret having stained.
It's likely that you and your kids will be sitting on the ground, on dirt and berries, while picking.
Even if you think you can stay clean, better safe than sorry.
After you are done picking, bring your berries home.
Be sure to wash them before eating.
Then, all that is left is to decide what to do with them.
You have many options: You may find you have more berries than you can use right away.
This is not uncommon, the fun of picking can lead to bringing home more than you had planned.
Fortunately, berries freeze well in freezer bags or airtight containers.
Once you have frozen the extra berries, choose the ways you want to eat the rest.
Raw berries can top a variety of foods, from cold cereal and ice cream to oatmeal.
Berries can be sprinkled over or sliced into salads.
Berries can make an interesting and flavorful topping for baked pork.
You can also go the traditional route and bake the berries into a pie.
Clearly, berry picking makes for a fun and pleasant summer day outside.
Remember though, this is an outdoor activity.
You and your family should be sure to wear hats and sunscreen while picking.