Thimbleberries: wild treasures of the Keweenaw
Thimbleberries are one of the many tasty treasures the U.P. has to offer. These small red fruits, which look like a mini version of raspberries, are found in many places in Northern Michigan. The Keweenaw is no exception. The sweet fruits are filled with antioxidants, and can be found at Prince’s Point, Hungarian Falls and many other secluded locations in the area. The berries can be eaten straight off the bush, but it’s recommended that you wash them before consuming.
Whether you’re eating them fresh or turning them into jams and jellies, thimbleberries have plenty of health benefits. They’re high in fiber, can help reduce inflammation, and can support our immune systems. Due to their high content of Vitamins A and C, they can even be used to treat scurvy! They ripen in mid-to-late summer and are found on shrubs with shiny, maple-like leaves.
Thimbleberries are great in the kitchen, and can be used in jams, jellies, smoothies, salads, desserts, and more! If you’re not an artisan preserve-maker yourself, The Jampot in Eagle Harbor offers a Thimbleberry Trio, which includes, “three jars of the highly coveted Thimbleberry Jam.” Thimbleberry goods can also be found at local farmers markets and festivals.
Thimbleberries were first recorded in the early 1800s by a botanist named Thomas Nuttall. He found them on Michilimackinac Island in Lake Huron. The berries were used by Indigenous peoples as a painkiller, and sometimes to help with appetite. The leaves could be ground and turned into a poultice in order to treat burns and minor wounds. Additionally, the leaves can be cooked like asparagus, and used to ease nausea and vomiting, a practice still used today.
While the thimbleberry is popular among Yoopers, it’s also loved by wildlife in the area. Raccoons, foxes, possums, skunks, squirrels and chipmunks regularly incorporate the berries into their diets. Deer and rabbits have been known to munch on the leaves of thimbleberry shrubs, while bears and beavers enjoy the bark and twigs. However, this plant is poisonous to dogs, so make sure you keep your four-legged friends away from the fruits and shrubs.
Thimbleberry can be found all throughout the continent, from Alaska to Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes region.