If you’re curious about the arrival of the Finnish blueberry season, there’s no need to trek into the forest. Just glance at the ground: the telltale purple droppings of birds signal that it’s time for an outdoor adventure. Much like humans, birds have a fondness for blueberries, and by late July, their droppings reveal that the picking season is upon us.
Blueberries are not just a treasure for humans; a diverse array of forest residents joins in the feast. From birds and bears to foxes, voles, and even the occasional insect, these wild berries attract many. And let’s not forget the throngs of Finns armed with buckets, ready to gather their share. But there’s no reason for concern over competition; each year, millions of liters of wild blueberries are harvested, yet a significant portion remains untouched.
Fun fact: Finland’s wild blueberries are technically known as bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) — smaller and darker than the cultivated varieties found in supermarkets elsewhere.
If you’d like to experience guided berry-picking, join our trips every summer Tuesday in Espoo, Nuuksio, just minutes from Helsinki. Reserve your spot and get ready for a delightful adventure!
Two Ways to Pick, Two Distinct Experiences
In Finland, blueberry picking is more than just a hobby; it’s a cherished national pastime, and enthusiasts generally fall into one of two camps.
1. The Berry Rake Technique
- A handheld reusable rake with metal or plastic “teeth” that efficiently scoops berries right off the bush.
- Quick and effective, perfect for filling buckets rapidly.
- However, it also tends to gather leaves and pine needles, necessitating a sorting session back at home.
- The good news? It leaves the blueberry bushes unharmed.
2. The Finger-Picking Approach
- Berries are plucked one or two at a time, directly into your bucket.
- It’s a leisurely activity, which is precisely the allure.
- This method appeals to those seeking to escape, listen to nature, and ponder their thoughts.
- There’s no rush, just pure enjoyment.
Neither method is better than the other; it simply depends on whether you’re aiming for a significant harvest or a peaceful retreat into nature.
Sorting the Rake Haul
For those who prefer the rake method, the adventure doesn’t conclude when they leave the woods. A typical post-picking scenario unfolds like this:
- A fulfilling few hours spent among the bushes.
- A refreshing dip in a lake or a shower upon returning home.
- A change into clean clothes, rejuvenation, perhaps a quick nap, and a tasty snack.
- Settling outdoors with buckets to meticulously sort through leaves and pine needles.
That sorting process may sound tedious to some, but many pickers find joy in it. It offers a gentle rhythm, allowing for mindfulness after the physical labor in the woods.
Beyond Just Berry-Picking
Picking blueberries transcends the act of gathering fruit; it’s often regarded as a holistic ritual. Here’s why it resonates so deeply:
- Spending time in the forest is well-known to enhance both mental and physical health.
- Squatting and shifting positions among the bushes provides excellent exercise!
- It’s just as rewarding to go solo for some peace and quiet as it is to enjoy the company of a friend, picking berries side by side.
- This screen-free activity offers a refreshing way to reconnect with someone.
- Children often tag along, and there are even smaller rakes designed just for them.
For young pickers, a berry-picking outing is often about more than just the berries. They may unearth a frog, splash in a puddle, or discover an oddly shaped stick, all while their fingers and mouths turn delightfully purple (it’s no surprise that not every berry makes it into the bucket). These small, sensory experiences create lasting memories and foster a lifelong connection to the outdoors. And while children eagerly sample the sweet fruit directly from the bush, it’s essential to remember that blueberries are also nutritionally rich, packed with vitamins A, B, and C, along with fiber and minerals like magnesium and calcium.
The One Unwritten Rule of the Forest
When it comes to blueberry picking, there’s essentially one cardinal rule — and it has little to do with technique.
Leave no trace. This means no litter, no damage, and certainly no harm to the environment.
Fortunately, this principle is ingrained in the mindset of most pickers. Stroll through a patch after someone has gathered berries, and you’d hardly know they were there, save for the empty bushes that quietly reveal the absence of delicious fruit.
If you’re eager to try guided berry-picking, don’t miss our summer trips every Tuesday in Espoo, Nuuksio, easily accessible from Helsinki. Sign up today and immerse yourself in this delightful experience!
What to Do With Your Bounty
Not every blueberry outing results in a bountiful harvest; sometimes, a brief excursion yields just enough for a glass of blueberry milk or a small pie — gifts to share or treats to keep for yourself.
Other outings can stretch into full-day adventures, complete with a picnic and steadily filling buckets.
For those serious about their berry-picking, it’s common to find chest freezers in Finnish homes brimming with blueberries, lingonberries, and other wild delights, alongside fish and berry preserves. If freezer space is tight, there’s always the stovetop option: blueberries transform beautifully into jam or marmalade, no freezing required.
Read more: Finnish Bilberry Pie – A Traditional Nordic Dessert You Need to Try.
My Personal Berry-Picking Experience
I grew up learning from my mother how to casually pick blueberries, always favoring the finger-picking method for its slower pace. Nowadays, I often find that this skill emerges not just during actual blueberry outings, but whenever I’m wandering my local woods for other reasons. My journeys through the forest invariably include a hiatus for berry-eating whenever I spot a bush laden with ripe fruit. While blueberries may not be filling, they offer a burst of taste, a healthy dose of vitamins, and a refreshing break during my explorations.
Over time, I’ve also discovered that inviting new friends to join me on these forays into the blueberry woods is a wonderful way to forge connections. In the shared act of picking, conversation flows easily, the relaxing atmosphere provides openings for deeper discussions.
As for larger-scale picking, I lack the patience for it — for the time being, at least. I can’t handle hours of squatting or the thought of painstakingly sorting through a rake-picking haul. So, once each summer, I opt to purchase a bucketful from a local vendor, ensuring that I have enough blueberries to enhance my morning porridge all year, right up until the next harvest.
What to Read Next
Explore these eight delicious berries that Finns enjoy in the wild, and discover how you can do the same.
Discover Wild Strawberries – Tiny Summer Treasures in Finland.
For nature enthusiasts, here’s a guide to 10+1 Must-Try Experiences for Exploring Finnish Nature.