On our last visit, the new owner mentioned that she was thinking of selling the property to developers. We searched further, even calling the state department to receive a list of berry growers from all over the state. These took us as far as Wendell where we discovered the farm of John Earp, who also once taught berry-making at State. To add to the drama, the precious cargo bled juices all over the back of my car. But like many events, this made our personal jamming history.
Berries come in interesting ways.
This year we found a family run strawberry business near Chapel Hill because a friend told us of a roadside sign. We discovered our favorite blackberry place by begging to pick from a farmer who sold wares at the Carrboro Farmer's Market. He's become a friend and appreciates the jam we bring him to celebrate. Most people know of our summer addiction. In certain circles we've become famous for our jam.