Serviceberries
By Hklbrries
Serviceberry, also called Juneberry or Saskatoon berry, is a purple fruit from a shrub or tree 6 to 16 feet high, found in thickets or borders of woods. The berry is available in late fall in Southeast Alaska, the Gulf Coast of Alaska and throughout the Alaska Peninsula. Serviceberries are small, rounded, purple-black, edible and sweet. The berries have a pleasing, unique flavor and are high in iron and copper. Serviceberries can be eaten raw, cooked in puddings, pies and muffins, or used in combination with other berries as an extender. The berries can also be dried and used to replace raisins in recipes. Native Alaskans used them in soups, stews and pemmican.
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Storage and Preservation:
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How to Clean and Store:
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Spread a clean, dry terry cloth towel over a slanted surface, such as a cutting board, with one end propped up a few inches above the other. Gently roll the berries down the towel; most of the debris and leaves will cling to the towel while the berries roll off. Fresh serviceberries should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will keep up to one week.
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How to Freeze:
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To freeze serviceberries, arrange dry, fresh berries in one layer on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer. When frozen, transfer berries to freezer bags or containers. Frozen serviceberries stored in airtight containers below 0°F will last up to two years.
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How to Dry:
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Select firm, dry serviceberries. Dip berries in boiling water for a few seconds to crack skin. Cover a flat tray with cheesecloth or light muslin. Spread the berries on the cloth and place the tray in the sun. Dry in the sun for two days, turning once or twice, then set the tray in a warm, dry place and let serviceberries stand until leathery to the touch. To dry berries in a dehydrator, spread on open screen and dry as for other berries, following directions for the dehydrator. Oven drying is possible, but very low heat (140 F) must be used and the oven door must be left slightly open so moisture can escape. Store in a cool dry place. Use as you would raisins. Dried serviceberries can be soaked in water for use
in baking.
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How to Extract Juice:
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Combine 11 cups of serviceberries and 1 cup water. Crush berries. Bring just to a boil and simmer 10 minutes. Strain through jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth in a colander. Let the juice drip intoa bowl. For clear juice, do not twist or press jelly bag or cheesecloth. For long-term storage, the juice should be frozen or canned. Yield: 5½ cups
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Hot pack for juice:
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Sterilize canning jars. Heat juice, stirring occasionally, until it begins to boil. Pour into hot jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe jar rims. Adjust lids. Process in a boiling water canner. Pints or quarts 5 minutes
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How to Prepare Puree:
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Put 4 cups of serviceberries in a blender and blend until the consistency of thick puree. For long-term storage, the puree should be frozen. Canning is not a safe method for preserving puree. Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients
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Preparation
Step 1
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