The Adventure of Keeping Up

We asked Shannon Walker a few questions about his adventures as our Preservationist! See what he had to say here.

What is the current "adventure" in your day-to-day life?

The adventure of "keeping up." All the berries are coming in, preserve production are in full swing, harvesting honey, keeping in contact with the farms that supply us with berries/preserve components, picking blueberries and blackberries around the farm, etc.

What is your craziest experience trying to catch a swarm of bees for honey?

We had a pick up truck backed up to the tree above the honey boxes by the garden. We had a 20 ft extension ladder on the bed of the truck, Butch was at top of ladder cutting the tree limb, hoping to cut it half way and that limb would ease itself down. But instead the branch broke and everything fell down to Brian and me. We lost the swarm, but at least we didn't get stung!

Favorite place to pick wild berries?

Shining Rock Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest– I'd be confident to say that they're the best wild blueberries in the world. They grow in 5000 feet of elevation!

Favorite unusual flavor combination in your preserves?

Strawberry ramp jam. It's a great jam for cheeses. It's surprisingly subtle– I like subtle flavors, rather than bold. I like having to concentrate on the flavors that I'm tasting rather than being overwhelmed by flavor. That's the craze right now– everything sweet, spicy or salty. I like having to hone in on the flavors and really concentrate on them.

Shannon Walker, Preservationist