Chicago and Northeastern Illinois Elderberry U-Pick Orchards in !

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Elderberry U-Pick Orchards in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for elderberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have elderberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

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McHenry County

Grace Farm Studios - Uses natural growing practices, aronia berries, beets, currants (red), currants (black), elderberries, gooseberries, saskatoons, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, gift shop, porta-potties, farm animals, school tours, group reservations
2719 Franklinville Road, Woodstock, IL 60098. Phone: (815) 206-9958. Email: Studiohost@icloud.com. Open: Federal holidays except Christmas and Easter; for PUBLIC visitation; Please check our Facebook or Instagram site for emergency changes in hours, and to learn what is currently in season for picking. Directions: For your convenience, Grace Farm Studios is listed on Google Maps. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, PayPal, ApplePay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
Grace Farm Studios Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (815) 790-8895. Fax: N/A. . Asparagus season is typically end of April to first week of July; haskap (honey berries) are usually the last two weeks of June; gooseberries are typically July through August; red and black raspberries first fruiting is typically July through August; second raspberry fruiting is September 1 through first heavy frost; elderberries and aronia come September through October; Vegetables July - October;. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We do not charge per person or per carload. We are a biologically closed farm - please do not bring your pets. We do not allow pets to use the bathroom on our grounds. Thank you for understanding. During the COVID national emergency, we do require masks and social distancing. Thank you. (ADDED: January 17, 2021)

Elderberry

Elderberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. Elderberries typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. Crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local Elderberries, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions. See this page for a list of elderberry festivals around the U.S.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked out!
Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Elderberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Elderberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When

Elderberries are best picked when they are fully ripe, the harvest season is usually in late summer to early fall.
Look for clusters of berries that are dark purple or black in color. Avoid picking unripe green berries.

Picking wild elderberries

If there isn't a farm near you, they may be growing wild in your area. Old-timers and county extension agents may know where.

Elderberry bushes can be found in various habitats, including roadsides, fields, and forest edges.
Ensure you are picking from an area free of pollutants, pesticides, and contaminants.
Familiarize yourself with the appearance of elderberry bushes, characterized by their opposite leaf arrangement and distinctive compound leaves. Remember that proper identification and responsible harvesting practices are crucial when foraging for any wild plants. If you're uncertain about the plants you're picking, it's best to consult with a knowledgeable local expert before consuming or using them.
Make sure you can distinguish elderberries from similar-looking plants, such as red elderberries, which are toxic.
Only pick berries from abundant stands, leaving enough for local wildlife and for the plant to reproduce.
Be mindful of the surrounding ecosystem and avoid damaging plants or disturbing wildlife.

Preparation

Wear Proper Gear: Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to protect your skin from potential irritations caused by leaves and stems.
Bring a pair of pruning shears or scissors for easier berry removal.

How to pick

Choose plump, fully ripe berries that are free from mold, insects, and damage.
Berries should be firm and evenly colored.
Gently hold the berry cluster and snip the stem with your pruning shears or scissors.
Be careful not to shake the cluster excessively, as overripe berries can fall off easily.

After harvesting

Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking.
Store freshly picked elderberries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing.
Keep them refrigerated and use within a few days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Before using elderberries, remove them from their stems using a fork or by gently combing through with your fingers.
Elderberries can be used for making jams, jellies, syrups, wines, and more.
Safety Note: Elderberries should not be consumed raw in large quantities as they contain compounds that can cause digestive discomfort. Cooking or properly preparing them eliminates these concerns.

Elderberry Recipes, Freezing and Jam directions

If you'd like to make some elderberry foods, see these pages for directions:

2024 Chicago and Northeastern Illinois Elderberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!