Muscadine picking to begin at the end of August at A & J Farm

Well blueberry picking season has ended at most Southern farms which means it's nearly time to pick muscadines and scuppernongs. A&J Farm in Pine Mountain will likely begin its picking season around August 20. The farm at 6876 Hamilton Pleasant Grove Road will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, but call before you go. The phone number is 706-663-8352.

I'm heading there at the end of August to try my luck at picking these Georgia grapes. Any tips? Anything you want to know? Farm owner Ann Storey has promised to share some of her favorite muscadine jam and sauce recipes with Ledger-Enquirer readers, so look forward to seeing those in the Life & Taste section at the beginning of September.

I'll keep you posted as I learn more about this wonderful Southern crop.

Check out this website for details on farms and growing seasons in various areas.

This story was originally published July 29, 2011 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Muscadine picking to begin at the end of August at A & J Farm."