On Wednesday, July 7, 2010, Kaufman County Master Gardeners took a field trip to Echo Springs Blueberry Farm. They began their adventure in the Gift Shop, enjoying complimentary blueberry coffee, tea, and samples of homemade pastries. Baking begins at 6 am each day to make the fresh blueberry pies, coffee cakes, scones and cookies available in the Gift Shop. Also available are many items made with blueberries mixed with other fresh fruit. The group was surprised to see how many no-sugar-added, fruit-only jams and preserves were available. After this tasty beginning, the group saw motorized harvesting of blueberries, machine processing of blueberries to sort out small and unripe berries, and packaging of berries in pint containers for sale in local grocery stores. The group also walked into the rows of blueberry plants to pick some berries for immediate consumption, then returned to the Gift Shop, where they purchased pre-picked blueberries, as well as many jars of jams and preserves. Echo Springs Blueberry Farm is a supporter of the KCMGA horticultural calendar and opens in June when blueberries are ready. Owner Phyllis Vaseleniuck says that blueberries are ready now.  Pick your own or purchase berries picked by staff. Berry picking will continue into August. Check out more information at www.echospringsblueberryfarm.com or call 903 852 5277 to schedule a tour.