If ever there was a fairytale moment in foraging, it happened when we stumbled upon this extraordinary blackberry bramble. The unanimous reaction from kids to adults was simply, "Wow." Tucked away near a serene stream, where multiple pathways converge to create an idyllic sun-dappled clearing, this blackberry bush is like no other we've encountered.

Although it's an ordinary wild blackberry species, the environment it's found in seems to elevate it to something magical. The smallest berries we found were at least double the size of the ones we usually see. They weren't just big; they were plump, juicy, and irresistibly delicious. It seems that the perfect balance of sun, shade, and abundant water from the nearby stream has transformed this bush into a real-life storybook treasure.

This year, we put these exceptional berries to good use. Imagine them as a vibrant, sweet-tart topping on a fresh summer salad—absolutely delightful. But that's not all; we even ventured to macerate these juice-filled gems. With their extraordinary plumpness, these berries yielded a luscious "freeze jam." Curious about how we did it? Read more about our freeze jam method here.

From hidden corners of the wilderness, treasures like this blackberry bush remind us why we adore foraging. Not only do we get to experience the surprise and delight of finding extraordinary produce, but we also get to share these wonders with you.