Picking Scuplins.

It's that time of year again . . . the scuppernong vine is full of ripe berries just waiting to be picked. I've been going out almost everyday and after just a few minutes of picking returning with almost half a gallon of scuplins. I posted last year about scuppernongs [you can see that post here], but honestly, 2011 was not a good year for our vine for some reason - it barely produced any fruit at all. This year's bounty has more than made up for it.

Scuppernongs are a little different than grapes because they don't grow in clusters. It makes for a little more work when picking them, but they're well worth it.

Today when I went out to the vine, two of the guineas kept me company. Between you and me, I think they were just there to gobble up the ones I dropped, but no matter their company was appreciated.

Unfortunately, I had to cut today's scuppernong picking session short because of two pesky wasps that were hiding out in the vine. Ouch! I don't think they appreciated me disturbing their peace, and of course, I didn't appreciate them stinging my hand. But after applying a baking soda paste and taking some benadryl, I feel much better. Even with the interruption, I still managed to pick quite a few.

Today's haul. 

Now, I just need to get started on making jelly out of some of these scuplins.