August Blues and a Tribute to Molly Sholes
Perhaps the first thing people think of when you say the word “Maine” is blueberries.
Maybe that’s because the low bush variety that yields the sweet wild blueberries we know and love….low bush, and so different from a high bush berry, have been thriving here for over 10,000 years.
Maine also supplies the lion’s share of wild blueberries to the US markets.
Twice as high in antioxidants as a cultivated berry, these wild wonders thrive on the glacial barrens so prevalent in these parts of Maine and the northern area we call “Downeast”.
These low bush blueberry lands were not planted but do need to be managed. They occurred naturally when the glaciers receded ,and spread through an underground network of runners.
They stay healthy by burning the fields every other year. The burn year regenerates growth, the second year stimulates production.
Much of the blueberry land in Maine is managed by the Wabanaki confederacy and is indeed an integral park of tribe economy and identity.
Around Waldoboro and until quite recently you could see spirited local kids of all ages with their blueberry rakes crowded into in a flatbed truck, headed for the blueberry farms around town. It was a summer rite of passage to rake blueberries for whatever pittance they were offering per flat while foundering yourself on berries, returning home stained and exhausted.
A few names come to mind. Businesses who have been at it forever: Brodis Blueberries in Hope, Me, White Oak Farm/Beth’s Farm Market, and Molly Sholes’ Spruce Mountain Farm in Rockport.
Spruce Mountain is one of my favorites for her excellent Blueberry Chutney and also for Molly! Molly passed away this winter at the age of 95. I am honored to have known her and so glad to have been the recipient of many visits, as she liked
to ride along to deliver her products, until very recently. So when my chutney arrived, I’d fetch it from the delivery vehicle in order to get in some conversation in with Molly.
She was truly a force, an inspiration and a forerunner in every way and we will miss her bright presence.
