July starts blueberry season: Fresh pints show up at the market, and thoughts turn to smoothies, muffins, pancakes, pies and plain, healthful snacking. But not so long ago, believe it or not, blueberries were only a regional treat enjoyed by Pineys and seashore visitors.

For most of their history, wild blueberries or huckleberries were sought after in the Pine Barrens by those who had learned the secrets of where to find the best of them. If you were lucky, a local might share or even sell some.