The huckleberry is Idaho’s official state fruit, and it’s at its peak right now, though you’re not likely to stumble across it in popular areas. For the most part, they can’t be sold commercially, the closest garden dupe is actually a nightshade, and they’ve been collected in these lands for millennia. It’s so well beloved that there’s even a festival in their honor happening this weekend!
Finding a Patch and Picking
Everyone who knows a good huckleberry spot is likely to keep that secret like a family heirloom, and for good reason. Huckleberries can be difficult to grow, but they thrive in partially sunny, hilly conditions. Luckily, that’s a lot of Idaho!
Part of the secrecy around huckleberries is because they require a level of responsibility in harvesting that needs to be taught. Animals like bears love huckleberries, and overharvesting, mechanical harvesting, and propagation can cause damage with long recovery times.
Where to Taste Them Locally
Sadly (although it’s a good thing), you can’t buy a carton of huckleberries at the farmers market tomorrow morning. But you can get some huckleberry-infused menu items around town.
- Locally, Blue Bench Brunchette and Chef’s Hut occasionally have huckleberry pancakes.
- Oldspeak has a refreshing huckleberry chilled tea.
- Common Ground has a couple huckleberry drinks, the best being a huckleberry oat matcha.
Send in your favorites, I know I’ve missed some!
Travel to Celebrate the Huckleberry
The McCall, Donnelly, and Cascade areas are prominent huckleberry territory, and Donnelly throws an annual Huckleberry Festival that starts today and rolls through Sunday. The pancakes, huckleberry products (like syrups and mixes), fun run, parade, and park concert will all be quintessential summer. Small Idaho towns know how to throw a festival!
