Native Berries Part 2

                                                          In this series we will explore the native berries of the Pacific Northwest.

Salal Berries, pronounced with a silent "l" at the end, are a ubiquitous berry in the Pacific Northwest. Ranging the entire part of the cool, wet coast, this berry is a great plant to know. Considering the berry is native to the Pacific Northwest,  it should be encouraged to flourish by us not taking gallons of it, right? Wrong. I said ubiquitous for a reason. This plant is spread in much the same way a blackberries (birds eating them and have the seeds flow through their waste) and, likewise, it grows very quickly! So, while you should keep in mind your consumption for say a native blackberry, Salals can be eaten as much as you want, and there will be enough left for posterity.

Salal Berries look like this: 

(Notice the leaf shape for winter/spring identification. In the spring it will have white, bell-ish flowers.)

The berries are those black orbs in the middle of the picture. The branch is red, some branches more red than other branches. I think it indicates new growth, but I am not sure. In any case, the branches, that have berries, will have a reddish tint, at the very least. 

The berries themselves are quite delicate. To avoid a mashed, unsatisfying berry, I suggest pinching above the berry and twisting it off. The "procedure" for picking a perfect blackberry--which was meant to be slightly hyperbolic and fake-pretentious--is actually applicable here if you don't want to get frustrated with picking these berries. The unsatisfying nature of Salal's consistency is not the only reason why it is not terribly popular. The other: taste. Salal berries are neither the sweetest, nor the sourest berry out there. However, when compared to some store-bought blueberries, I find them much more agreeable. Of course, I would choose blackberries, any kind, over Salal, but its taste I do enjoy. If you are not picky, then this berry, when picked correctly, is incredibly rewarding while biking or walking around a park, wetland, green-belt, etc.  Plus, there are some recipes for Salal jam out there, and it should make a good base berry in pies. 

The usual site I go to for nutritional information (http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/search/list) does not have information on Salal berries, but while searching I found many other wild products tested there. So, I would just consider this berry a good energy boost that's, probably, fairly healthy. So, when it comes to native berries, Salals are the plant found everywhere, that no one knows about, which are also fairly tasty. I call that a win. 

Happy Foraging!--Blackberries Are for Picking