Late May I spent several hours out collecting Agarita berries. We have several hundred bushes on the ranch and this was a banner year for them. I only worked about 15 of the bushes and was able to collect 27 cups of them after much effort. You lay a old sheet under the bush and then beat the bush with a broom knocking the berries, sharp leaves, bugs, and other debris onto the sheet. Then after filling up a large bowl you need to clean the berries. I use a large box fan and poor the berries from one container to another with the box fan set on high. This usually separates about 90% berries from the debris. After a few good washes you are pretty much ready to go after another bush.
Collection equipment
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| Agarita bush |
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| Sharp Holly like leaves |
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| Heavy gloves |
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| Face protetion |
Typical lay
27 Cups of cleaned berries
Now it's time to cook and can the jam. Add water cook, mash, add 25 lbs of sugar, cook and then pour ito sterilized Mason Jars - seal the top and label each. 56 cups canned,,,2.5 gallons
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