2024 Worcester County, Massachusetts Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in Worcester County, Massachusetts in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for raspberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have raspberries 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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Worcester County

• Carlson Orchards,Inc. - apples, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, Cider mill
  115 Oak Hill Road, Box 359, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-3916. Directions: Route 2 West to the AyerGroton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Carlson Orchards,Inc. Facebook page. . Alternate phone: 800-286-3916Route 2 West to the Ayer/Groton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. Carlson Orchards Facebook page. A visitor writes on September 24, 2014: (positive) "Today I went to Carlson Orchards to pick fall raspberries. I had a great time. The picking was plentiful and the staff was friendly and convivial. Would recommend this orchard to anyone looking for a fine time."
  Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2012: (positive) "We have found a new favorite farm! They had wonderful blueberries and nectarines and we also picked up cider and peaches (already picked). The kids had fun and they were friendly and helpful. But do watch out for the poison ivy!"
• Charlton Orchards - Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, pears and raspberries.
  44 Old Worcester Road, Box 339, Charlton, MA . Phone: 508- 248-7820. Email: Patty@charltonorchard.com. Open: year round and sponsors tasting events throughout the year. Directions: Route 20 West 6 miles from Route 395 and Route 290, look for signs. Route 20 East, 4 miles from Mass. Pike, Sturbridge exit and Route 84. Follow signs . Click here for a map and directions.
  Charlton Orchards Facebook page. . Email info@charltonorchard.commap and more directions. Pick your own fruit is available beginning with Strawberries in June, Blueberries and Raspberries in July and August, Peaches in August and continue with Apples and Pears in September and October. Our winery, producing the best in handcrafted fruit and grape wines, is open Offer picnic tables, wagon rides during apple season. Peach Festival in August. Harvest Festival in October and Christmas at first week in December. Strawberry Festival in June, Blueberry Festival in July. facebook page. Be sure to See comments about this farm here! Few farms in the U.S. have so many comments about them as this one.
• Clearview Farm - apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, hayrides
  4 Kendall Hill Road, Sterling, MA . Phone: 978-422-6442. Email: clearviewfarm@comcast.net. Open: in mid-August through September with five varieties of freestone peaches and nectarines. Directions: Take Route 12, Route 62, or Route 190 to Sterling Center, go one half mile up Maple Street, take right onto Kendall Hill Road, farm 1st on left; . Click here for a map and directions.
  Clearview Farm Facebook page. . map and more directions10am to 6pm weekends w/hayrides. 11-5pm weekdays, Groups by appointment. We offer five products you can pick: apples, peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, and raspberries. We open The hayride starts to roll mid-September through Columbus Day to take you to the apple orchard to fill our half-bushel bags. We sell more than twenty varieties of apples - new and old. Our dwarf orchard is within walking distance. Fall bearing raspberries and blueberries yield until mid October. We provide pickers and pint or quart containers. October turns orange with the foliage and the pumpkin patch giving birth to all sizes and types of pumpkins: Cinderella, heirloom, Baby Pam Sugar, Ghost, Big Mac, Tom Fox and Howdens. We also sell gourds and many varieties of winter squash, We provide wagons for retrieving that perfect pumpkin. Facebook page. (UPDATED: May 1, 2015, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on October 13, 2012: "I have gone to this orchard every year for six years to pick apples, but after my visit today I will not be back. The woman who was working the register (whom I am assuming is one of the owners) was completely unprofessional. We arrived and paid for our bags and were directed to the hayride. Having come here for several year we knew that empire apples, my Mom's favorite were in the side orchard not the back. So we asked if we could take the hayride to the back orchard (my children look forward to the "tractor ride")and pick some apples there and then go to the side orchard and pick some there because each spot offers different apples. The woman smirked and told us we would have to pick one, not both. I then said that we would split up and my Mom could go to the side orchard and my husband and I would go to the hayride back orchard to which she told me that we had not bought a big enough bag to get all five of us onto the hayride and if we wanted to split up I would have to purchase a bigger bag..what!?!? Finally, I took my kids on the hayride to the back orchard and my husband and Mother went to the side orchard to get empires. And when we stepped away from the counter, she laughed and said "finally I can help you" to the customers in line behind us. What should have been a great family day at the orchard turned into a disappointing day separated from one another."
  Comments from a visitor on September 24, 2009: "Just wanted to say how disappointed we were with our experience here. As we were going to be in the area last Sunday, I researched on your site to find a farm close by & was so glad to find this one with hayrides. When we went to purchase a bag to pick apples they asked how many we were to write the number on the bag. We are a family of five, & were told that we couldn't pick a peck with 5 people, but would have to purchase the more expensive 1/2 bushel bag. I did not see requirement posted anywhere & as we had already purchased cider, etc from them, did not have enough left to purchase the larger bag. I did mention that this was not right & the adults only wanted to watch the kids anyway & was told by what appeared to be the man in charge that these were the rules for everyone, they had to make a living & this was how all the farms operated. We are from NH & apple pick every year here, & have never heard of this at any of the places we frequent. We should have walked away, but had children who had been looking forward to this, so 2 of us had to stay behind. They had to take a hay ride to the orchard, but there was no signs or directions on what kinds of apples were available to pick. Just the driver who said 'pick here, not there.' I hope you will post this to the site, & let others know what to expect. Thank you for the great job on the site, we have used it several times, usually with success. "
• Fay Mountain Farm - strawberries, raspberries, apples, pears, blueberries, restrooms, gift shop, pumpkin patch in the field, pumpkins brought in from the field, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, tours of the operation, group tours
  12 Cemetary Road, Charlton, MA 01507. Phone: 508-248-7237. Email: benjaminpwilson@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Click here for a map and directions. Pumpkins from September 10- October 31; Raspberries June 26-September 30, Strawberries June 5- July 4 and August 1-September, Pears September 1- October 10, Apples September 1- October 31; Blueberries June 26- August 10. (UPDATED: October 12, 2016) (UPDATED: July 14, 2016, JBS) A visitor writes on June 08, 2014: " in Charlton said they weren't doing U-pick strawberries this year. "
• Great Oak Farm - Blueberries and raspberries.
  227 Highland St, Berlin, MA . Phone: 978-838-2097. Open: Tuesday-Saturday: 8am-noon andfrom 3 pm to 7 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Open Sundays, 10 am to 6 pmExit 26 off Route 495, head west on Route 62 for 1. 5 miles to center. Take right onto Carter St. to Highland St. Farm is 1. 7 miles from Route 62. Mid June to Oct.
• Harvey's Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, raspberries, prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  120 South Street (route 135), Westborough, MA 01581. Phone: 508-366-1545. Email: harveysfarm@yahoo.com. Open: 7 Days a week, April 1st through October 31st, 10am to 6pm; Open 7 Days a week, November 1st through December 3o Thursday, 10am to 5pm; Closed December 31st through March 31st. Directions: -Route 90 East \(From Points West\) or West \(From Points East\) to Route 495 North. Route 9 West towards Worcester. Route 135 towards WESTBORO.Two Miles on Route 135 takes you to the rotary. As you approach the rotary, a Getty Gas Station and Dairy Queen will be located on your right. Once you\'re in the rotary \(at the intersection of Routes 135 and 30\), continue on Route 135 East towards Hopkinton. Route 135 East for a half mile. Left onto Maple Avenue Right into driveway. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Fax: 508-366-1477. -Route 90 East (From Points West) or West (From Points East) to Route 495 North. Route 9 West towards Worcester. Route 135 towards WESTBORO.Two Miles on Route 135 takes you to the rotary. As you approach the rotary, a Getty Gas Station and Dairy Queen will be located on your right. Once you're in the rotary (at the intersection of Routes 135 and 30), continue on Route 135 East towards Hopkinton. Route 135 East for a half mile. Left onto Maple Avenue Right into drivewayCrops are usually available in July, August, September, October, November, December Blueberries: July 1 through August, Raspberries: Late August through September; Christmas Trees: After Thanksgiving through Christmas. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification
  Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (negative) "We had a HORRIBLE experience here a couple years ago. I was walking with my toddler to see the farm animals, holding his hand as we walked down the path. He reached out and gently touched a plant with one finger. The owner ran out of the store screaming at me and told me not to let my kid touch his $19 planter. A little while later, my son touched (again with one finger)an old tractor that looked like it was meant for kids to verify out. He came out screaming again and this time told me that he "cared more about my kid than I did." I was completely taken aback. Before leaving, I went into the store and asked if they had a public restroom. The woman's response was that they didn't want my stinky diapers and I should go find a McDonalds. We certainly have never been back!"
• Hollis Hills Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, other berries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals
  340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: 9786963130. Email: shannon@hollishillsfarm.com. Open: Seasonally, Call for Hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ATM onsite.
  Hollis Hills Farm Facebook page. (UPDATED: June 10, 2021)
• Indian Head Farm - Blueberries, strawberries, flowers and raspberries.
  232 Pleasant Street, Berlin, MA . Phone: 978-838-2942. Open: daily from 8am until picked out during each season; Please call ahead for conditions. Directions: From Berlin Center, 1. 5 miles South on Pleasant Street, next to cemetery. Or Exit 25 from Route 290, 1 mile toward Berlin Center. . Click here for a map and directions. click here for their contact form Bring your own containers or purchase at farm. Fall raspberries only. Children welcome with adults.
  Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2011: (positive) "I just wanted to let everyone know that this was an exceptional visit today to this farm, the staff was very friendly and helpful, the strawberries are very sweet and big if you go up by the cemetery. The only issue was that the Credit Card machine was down but they were having trouble with there modem, which they were working on trying to get it fixed. "
  Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to pick blueberries here! They are friendly and not too crowded. They also have a nice farm stand and pick your own flowers.
  Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2010: (positive) "I have grown up picking strawberries at every June. This is the best pick-your-own strawberry farm, and I've loved every visit I've made over the past ten years. The strawberries are always delicious, the prices are the most reasonable around, and the people are always friendly. We usually bring our own basket, have them weigh it before we pick, and then pay for our pounds of strawberries after. I think our record is close to ten pounds of strawberries! My family no longer lives in the area, but I'm making the trek out there tomorrow in honor of strawberry season. I can't wait! P.S. While out there, make sure to stop by Balance Rock Farm nearby for ice cream and whipping cream. It's not their own dairy anymore, but it's local and delicious and a really cute place. P.P.S. I LOVE THIS WEBSITE! Thank you so much for keeping it up and organized - it's such a gem.
• Lanni Orchards Inc - apples, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Seedless table grapes, wine grapes, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  294 Chase Rd, Lunenburg, MA 01462. Phone: (978) 582-6246. Email: info@lanniorchard.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
  Lanni Orchards Inc Facebook page. Fax: 978-582-6099 We use integrated pest management practices (IPM)Check out our website for current and upcoming events. July raspberries blueberries August raspberries blueberries grapes September grapes, corn maze, apples October apples, corn maze, pumpkins November doggie maze, holiday open house.Our farm stand is open year round! During the cold winter months, we sell all locally made items. Things like fresh baked pies, thaw and serve pies, chocolates, fudge, meats, pasta, cheese, cider, soups, baking mixes, seasonings, hot mulled cider, hot Smokestacks coffee! When the weather warms up we offer an array of things to do here at the farm (UPDATED: August 29, 2023)
• Little Rascals Orchard - apples, pumpkins, raspberries (red), Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals
  116 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451. Phone: 978-456-7847. Email: cg@pickapples.org. Open: for pick-your-own apples Saturdays 10am to 4pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm from September 19 until October 31, or weekdays by appointment; We also host weekend events open to the public which include games, music, pick - your - own apples, lunch on the grill, hay rides, petting zoo, and more! Check our website or email us for dates and times, an appointment, or for more information; CASH ONLY accepted. Directions: Little Rascals Orchard is approximately 40 minutes west of Boston. Drive west on Route 2 to exit 38A \(Route 110 WRoute 111 S towards HarvardWorcester\). Merge onto Ayer RoadRt 110Rt 111. The Farm is about 12 mile down on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 646-812-0110Fax: 646-225-7244. for pick-your-own apples Saturdays 10am to 4pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm from September 19 until October 31, or weekdays by appointment; We also host weekend events (open to the public) which include games, music, pick - your - own apples, lunch on the grill, hay rides, petting zoo, and more! Check our website or email us for dates and times, an appointment, or for more information; CASH ONLY acceptedis approximately 40 minutes west of Boston. Drive west on Route 2 to exit 38A (Route 110 W/Route 111 S towards Harvard/Worcester). Merge onto Ayer Road/Rt 110/Rt 111. The Farm is about 1/2 mile down on the leftPre-filled apple bags at roadside stand available 24/7 NOW until October 31
• Meadowbrook Orchards - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms
  209 Chace Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564. Phone: 978-365-7617. Email: info@meadowbrookorchards.com. Open: 7 days a week, 7am to 6pm, all year round. Directions: from Route 190 take exit 6 and follow signs to Meadowbrook. From Route 495 take exit 26 and follow Route 62 north 8.7 miles, take a left onto Chace Hill Road, we are 34 of a mile up on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Fax: 978-365-7618. from Route 190 take exit 6 and follow signs to Meadowbrook. From Route 495 take exit 26 and follow Route 62 north 8.7 miles, take a left onto Chace Hill Road, we are 3/4 of a mile up on the leftCrops are usually available in July, August, September, October We have a great bakery with all products made onsite. Plus we have a great lunch consisting of soups and sandwiches.
• Nourse Farm - strawberries, red raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, red currants, pumpkins, flowers
  70 Nourse Street, Westboro, MA . Phone: 508- 366-2644. Open: June 10 to September 30, please see our picking page. Directions: 2. 5 miles west on Route 30 from Westboro center. Follow the strawberry to the field. Map on website. Nourse Farm offers Pick Your Own \(PYO\) fruit . Click here for a map and directions. Offer 8 of the sweetest varieties of strawberries and 3 varieties of raspberries2. 5 miles west on Route 30 from Westboro center. Follow the strawberry to the field. Map on website. offers Pick Your Own (PYO) fruit crops throughout the summer, beginning with the strawberry season in June and continuing with blueberries, red and black raspberries, red currants and pumpkins. PYO Entrance Hours are 9-6 M-F and 9-5 Sat-Sun. The PYO season extends through mid-late October with raspberries and pumpkins. We welcome families and do not charge for admission. You may bring your own containers (weight deducted) or purchase a PYO flat. For everyone's safety, our key guidelines include wearing a mask and picking 6-feet apart for social distancing. At busy times periods, check-in and check-out will be under a tent awning outside the farm. Check out the Pick-Your-Own schedule on the farm web site(UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
• Old Frog Pond Farm - ORGANIC, apples, raspberries,
  38 Eldridge Road, Harvard, MA 01451. Phone: 978-456-8130. Email: organic@oldfrogpondfarm.com. Open: Wednesday through Sunday 10am to 6pm and Holidays. Directions: Old Frog Pond Farm is located 5 minutes from the HarvardRoute 111 exit of Route 495. Take Route 111 West toward Harvard and turn immediately left onto Codman Hill Road. At the stop sign at the intersection with Stow Road, turn left again. Then take the first left again onto Eldridge Road. The farm will be on your right. Fruit boxes and bags are on the front porch near the ". Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . is located 5 minutes from the Harvard/Route 111 exit of Route 495. Take Route 111 West toward Harvard and turn immediately left onto Codman Hill Road. At the stop sign at the intersection with Stow Road, turn left again. Then take the first left again onto Eldridge Road. The farm will be on your right. Fruit boxes and bags are on the front porch near the "Open" signCrops are usually available in August, September, October We are certified organic for all crops!
• Ragged Hill Orchard - apples, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, and raspberries.
  94 John Gilbert Road, West Brookfield, MA . Phone: 508- 867-2187. Open: Call ahead for hours and picking conditions; In season, PYO apples open daily 9am to 6pm. Click here for a map and directions. 3 miles North of common to Wickaboag Valley Road to . Or from Route 9 turn to Pierce Road to Ragged Hill Road. Children must be accompanied by adults.
• Red Apple Farm - apples, blueberries and raspberries.
  455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston, MA . Phone: 800-628-4851. Open: daily, 9am to 6pm. Directions: Route 2 \(exit 19\), follow signs \(2 miles\) to farm. . Click here for a map and directions. . For more information please Contact UsRoute 2 (exit 19), follow signs (2 miles) to farm Nov. and December. Containers provided, children welcome, farm animals, forest trails and hayrides, school tours, 48 apple varieties with one tree with 108 varieties grafted on it! Host Birthday parties, and company outingsEvery weekend summer through fall, our post and beam Country Barn is transformed into an outdoor brewery tap “room,” serving up local brews, fresh roasted nuts, barbecue, and popped-on-the-spot popcorn along with your farm favorites. Make sure to try our new Hard Cider! The Brew Barn is family friendly and fun rain or shine thanks to the expansive barn! If the weather permits there’s plenty of outdoor space on the deck and around the barn as well. Typical harvest dates: JULY - Blueberries, RaspberriesAUGUST - Blueberries, Raspberries, Peaches, SunflowersSEPTEMBER - Pears, Pumpkins, Red Potatoes, Gourds, Sunflowers, Indian Corn, Popping CornOCTOBER - Pumpkins, Red Potatoes, Winter Squash, Gourds, Indian Corn, Popping Corn NOVEMBER - Red PotatoesAlways call the farm ahead (978-249-6763) to confirm daily picking conditions! (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS)
• Sholan Farms - apples, pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, tractor-pulled hay rides, Pick-your-own apples, Honey from hives on the farm, raspberries, picnic area, school tours
  1125 Pleasant Street, Leominster, MA . Phone: 978-840-3276. Email: info@sholanfarms.com. Open: DAILY, 10am to 6pm. Directions: Rte 2 to Rte 12 S \(North Main Street\); Stay on Rte 12 to center of town \(past Post Office on right through lights\). Take Pleasant Street \(straight ahead\); 3 miles from the center of Leominster. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Fax: 978-534-0363. Rte 2 to Rte 12 S (North Main Street); Stay on Rte 12 to center of town (past Post Office on right through lights). Take Pleasant Street (straight ahead); 3 miles from the center of LeominsterCrops are usually available in August, September, October Offer entertainment, hayrides and group tours. We are located on 169 acres overlooking Northern Worcester County.
  Comments from a visitor on August 16, 2009: " located in Leominster MA is a city owned farm which was purchased from the former owner to keep the land from being turned into housing. Great views in a VERY rural setting, operated by volunteers. Beginning the 4th week in August 09, they will start picking apples. Many varieties available throughout the season, as well as fall raspberries. "
• Tougas Family Farm - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, winter squash, strawberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, face painting, petting zoo
  246 Ball Street, Northboro, MA 01532. Phone: 508-393-6406. Email: tougasfarm@tougasfarm.com. Open: From May through Halloween, Hours vary by season; Always call or check picking conditions on our web site. Directions: From I290 take exit #24 \(Church St\), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . picking stand: 508-393-6470Fax: 508 393 1834 From I290 take exit #24 (Church St), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles Click here for picking updatesWe have been declared a "Family Friendly" business, in addition to fruit to pick we operate a farm kitchen which features fresh fruit desserts, ice cream, baked goods and light lunch. Barnyard animals and a "Farmyard" playground keep the kids happy. (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS) Note: visitors (September 22, 2008) reported that there are purchase requirements in order to enter the orchards. Be sure to verify their website (see this page) for the costs and current picking conditions. For photos and a blog from one visitor to the farm, see this page.
  Comments from a visitor on October 11, 2010: (neutral) "Yes, this farm is well run and has everything--animals, hay/wagon rides, food, and good PYO fruit, however, it will be a long time before I go back, especially for apples. It is SO crowded, the lines are ridiculously long, and the prices are sky-high. If you want to take your kids, they each have to get a tote or tray (applies or strawberries) for a flat rate; you could easily drop 50 bucks, and you feel like you're at a theme park, not the country. Choose one of the smaller, less popular farms if you want a lovely, reasonably priced PYO experience."
  Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to visit pick your own farms. I have been going to Tougas since I was a kid and take my son several times a year. We love to pick strawberries, cherries, and peaches and enjoy their cider donuts and playground. They are very kid friendly but do get extremely busy on weekends particularly in the fall.

 

Raspberry

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or  a late summer and Fall crop. In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. 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!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!  
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, 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 raspberries 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.
4. 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.

Tips on how to pick raspberries

1. Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

   Raspberries Nutritional Data
   (fresh)

   Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
   Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)
   Carbohydrates	11.94 g
   Sugars	4.42 g
   Dietary fiber	6.5 g
   Fat	0.65 g
   Protein	1.2 g
   Vitamins
   Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
   Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
   Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
   Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
   Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
   Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
   Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
   Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
   Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
   Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg
   Minerals
   Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
   Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
   Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
   Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
   Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
   Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
   Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg
   Other constituents
   Water	85.8 g
   Units μg = micrograms � mg = milligrams IU = International units
   Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

   
   
2. A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
3. Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
4. I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
5. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
7. Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
8. 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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
3. Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
4. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
5. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) raspberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
6. Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
7. See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

1. Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
   raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
2. And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
3. You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
4. See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

 

Raspberry Facts

• Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
• The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
• 11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
• Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
• Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
• Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
• In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
• Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
• 60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
  Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
• The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
• Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
• U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to go to a raspberry festival? See this page for a list!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers