Page 88 - United States of Pie

Maine Blueberry Pie

The Maine blueberry is one of those berries that seems too good
to be true. It is not simply an ordinary blueberry grown in the state of
Maine. It is wild. Often referred to as low-bush berries, Maine
blueberries grow on bushes that creep, feet from the ground, and
bloom in two-year cycles, producing berries only every other year.

The farmers of Maine tend to the bushes during their dormant years,
ensuring a healthy bush during fruit-bearing years. The sweet-tart
flavor of a Maine wild blueberry is like a blueberry that has been
training for a marathon. It is smaller, and more flavorful and intense,
than the cultivated variety.
This is a pie that is supremely blue—and I do mean the color. It’s
simply overflowing with delicious beads of blueberries. Even if you

think you don’t love blueberries, after one taste of this pie you won’t
be able to deny that it is delicious—and you will probably finish that
slice with a happy smile.
If you don’t live in Maine—and since this state has one of the
smallest populations of any in the country, you probably do not—feel
free to make this pie with regular blueberries. This pie is assertive

and fresh, flavored simply with a bit of lemon juice and a touch of
vanilla.

1 recipe Standard Pie Dough or Cornmeal Pie Dough

5 cups blueberries, preferably Maine wild blueberries, washed
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Juice of 1 medium lemon