Berry Picking Time at Spicer Orchards

just to the south of Fenton in Hartland has been growing fresh fruit and vegetables since the 1960's.  

Most folks have probably enjoyed all of the fall activities, taking a ride through the pumpkin patch, enjoying a donut and cider or meeting the farm animals.  

But summer is also a time of berry bounty on the farm. For $1.99/lb for blueberries and $4.95/qt for raspberries, you can pick your own fruit for pies, jams, syrups, muffins or meals--if you don't eat them all first.  

Spicers only sprays the plants prior to flowering so the fruit is pesticide-free.  Support a local business, spend some time outside and stock up on antioxidant and vitamin-rich berries--everyone wins!

If you're looking for unusual, healthy ways to use your berries, try this spinach salad recipe from www.care2.com:

SPINACH SALAD WITH BLUEBERRIES AND LIME VINAIGRETTE

INGREDIENTS

4 cups (about 4 ounces) baby spinach
1/4 cup mint leaves
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped shallot
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup fresh blueberries

1. Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. Stack the mint leaves and cut them crosswise into thin strips. Toss in with spinach.

2. For the dressing, combine the lime juice, vinegar, shallot, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil. Season to taste with pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the greens, tossing to coat lightly. Divide the dressed spinach among 4 salad plates. Sprinkle the blueberries over the spinach. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.