Over at Gooseberry Point…nary a Gooseberry is to be seen. But here on the island it’s a different story.
Houses, lawns and roads are all contrary to the Gooseberry lifestyle so their existence, at Gooseberry Point, over time, has been diminished to zero. Same can be said for the ferry landing on the island but over on the Baker Preserve they are flourishing. I have never seen as many plants as I counted last Saturday on my walk to the overlook.
Gooseberry’s tart flavor makes them perfect for jams and pies. I like them straight off the bush. Not that I ever get very many. They are a favorite for birds and squirrels and raccoons. So the pickins gets light when they are ready to eat.
Around 1900 Gooseberries became outlaws and were banned in the USA. I’m not kidding. Read the whole story here: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/gooseberry.htm
Right this minute the plants are in flower but very soon those blossoms will turn into fruit and by midsummer maybe you’ll be lucky enough to taste one.
This plant was photographed on the Baker Preserve where the trail meets the old road…right by the sign. But I counted over forty Gooseberry plants next to the trail.
Dal Neitzel