I haven't heard of choke cherries but I guess it is like some of the wild berries here. And I can liken that to either the Bignay which is smaller than real cherries or the bigger rattan fruits which have no match for its sour flavor. Although it is considered a rarity now, we still have these rattan fruits which are sometimes sold in the supermarket. And I guess that rattan fruit can be a substitute for choke cherries in making that homemade syrup that you said is best for vanilla ice cream.
Corie, the Rattan fruit is interesting. When I think of rattan,I think of furniture. Steve's choke-berries have a different and more appetizing appearance. Keep in mind, however, I have never tasted them.
I find it very nice when I get a big thank-you for something.. It is really polite to thank for something.. Today, a HUGE Black Bear came over to my driveway and personally thanked me for all those berries it ate yesterday.. IT DROPPED THE BIGGEST POOP YOU EVER SAW RIGHT ON MY DRIVEWAY... I do believe that was the way the bear is thanking me... Now, how do I say to it....."your Welcome" ....... I could bring out my .303 but that isn't a good idea because the bears are not acting dangerous.. Any suggestions ???????????????????
The problem with bear spray is you have to see and be up close to the bear to spray.. As soon as the bear sees me, it runs away.. They don't want anything other than food, which is the berries.. There are NO more berries, so I assume they won't be back for them, however the bears are all over the place, but they don't really bother us other than being there.. Very few bears are considered a nuisance and when we get one, we drop it.. Another question is....... When was the last time someone was attacked by a black bear up in our area ???? The answer is ....... Can't remember... That is how long its been.. Many many years and then they were trying to feed the bear.... Out west, it is different.. Up here, the bears don't attack people...
I got curious, so did a little (very little) research, and came up with this: Bear scats don't hold the contagious microorganisms some carnivore droppings do. Blood tests showed that researchers who had handled bear scats for decades were negative for any of these microorganisms. Examining the poop would be an interesting way to teach children about the animals and what they consume. I wonder if there's a market on eBay for bear poop? Here's the link where I found that quote.
I was just looking at the chokecherry bushes and even the cherries on top are gone.. The birds must of eaten them, especially the Ravens...
Speaking of worms............................................................ Q...What's worse than finding a worm in an apple ?????????????????????????? A... finding half a worm........... Where's the other half ????????????