Ep 16. Blueberry Connoisseur

Mike Rowe is back with another episode of Dirty Jobs, and in this season six episode 16, he finds himself exploring the world of blueberry farming. In this episode titled "Blueberry Connoisseur," Mike travels to the state of New Jersey to meet with some of the most dedicated blueberry farmers around.

During his time in New Jersey, Mike uncovers the secrets to the perfect blueberry and learns about the science and labor that goes into growing these little blue wonders. He starts his adventure at the top of a high platform, nestled in rows of blueberry bushes, with a pair of shears in hand. He receives basic instructions on how to pick a blueberry without injuring the plant and gets to work harvesting the bright fruit.

After an 8-hour shift of picking berries, Mike visits a local blueberry pro who has dedicated his life to the fruit. He claims to have tasted thousands of blueberries in his lifetime and is known as one of the greatest blueberry connoisseurs out there. Mike gets a chance to witness just how much the farmer loves his blueberries first-hand. The farmer walks him through his on-site blueberry store, pulling out various types of berries, each with a remarkable flavor. Mike is amazed by the fruit's complexity of flavors and is shocked to learn that blueberries fall into the tasting categories of sweet, tangy, musky, and floral.

As Mike observes the farmer's blueberry store, his newfound excitement and awe turn comically flirtatious, as he takes on his signature tone of humorous admiration. Mike sees the piles of blueberries lining the berry display and wonders aloud how many he can consume in one sitting. The farmer directs him to try a few out and witness their delicious taste before packing up and leaving.

The last part of the episode has Mike visiting the local library of a small town and giving a speech on the value of hard work and experiencing the world of blueberries. He talks about his experience in the field and shares with the listeners the connoisseur farmer's insights into the world of blueberries. He encourages the listeners to experience the wonder of blueberries themselves and to respect the hard work that farmers put in to produce these delicious treats.

"Blueberry Connoisseur" is a fantastic episode that offers an interesting inside look into the complicated world of blueberry farming. Not only does Mike learn about the hard work and dedication required to grow these fruits, but he also discovers the complexities of their flavor and how even a subtle variance in soil or species can completely change a blueberry's taste. Overall, "Blueberry Connoisseur" is a must-watch for anyone curious about the world of agriculture and the curious world of fantastically sweet berries.