This quart of blackberries gives the appearance of plenty but the truth is slightly different. This haul represents three days of not picking while in a typical year, it is one. We made the decision not to water the berries given the current drought and this decision has had an obvious effect.

Our berry haul is way down and canes that are typically full of fat berries and lush leaves are dying and dry. It also means that we need to choose between having lots of berries for breakfasts and desserts or putting them up for jam and jellies.

The berries are varied in sweetness and taste: some are perfectly sweet and full of juice while others, though fat, are sour and tart. My purple stained fingers pick one that I hope is perfect. I pop it into mouth and close my eyes.