2024 El Dorado County, California Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in El Dorado County, California in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards for pears that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have pears 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.

El Dorado County

• Celtic Gardens - Apples, Blackberries, Grapes, Pears
  4221 North Canyon Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-647-0690. Email: stephenvb@D-web.com. Click here for a map and directions. . Fax: 530-677-6275. .
• Goodness Orchard - apples, peaches, pears, strawberries, blackberries, tart cherries,
  4341 Pony Express Trail, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: (530) 644-6448. Open: June 4 to November 25 Reservations are required, on Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . June 4 to November 25 (Reservations are required), on Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, Sunday from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. You-pick heirloom apples. They also have 15 different varieties of vegetables including sweet corn, tomatoes, sweet peppers, chilies and winter squash in their seasons. Daily June - Nov 25, 10-4. Advance reservation required.
• Hangtown Kid Apple Orchard - apples, pears, cherries, chestnuts, persimmons, pumpkins, honey from hives on the farm, Christmas trees
  2598 Mace Road, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-647-1810. Email: jpalmer42@att.net. Open: Call before you go. Click here for a map and directions.
  Hangtown Kid Apple Orchard Facebook page. . Hangtown Kid Apple Ranch Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on June 23, 2009: "great people, great fun, delicious fruit . Nice older couple, work their own small farm of 10 acres. a bit out of the more crowded areas associated with Apple Hill off Mace Rd. "
• Harris Family Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, marionberries, pears, pumpkins, rhubarb, Fresh eggs, picnic area, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  2640 Blair Road, Pollock Pines, CA 95726. Phone: (530) 644-2194. Email: harristreefarm@hotmail.com. Open: Thursday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4:30 pm, June 1 to December 24. Directions: Driving directions: Travel on Highway 50 to Pollock Pines. Turn off at the Pollock Pines exit #57, turn left under the freeway. Turn right on Pony Express Trail, about one mile turn left on Blair Road. Travel one mile on Blair Road, the entrance is on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Harris Family Farm Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Pies & Turnovers , Jam & Preserves. You pick blackberries beginning in July. Camp on our farm in the forest or Christmas trees. (ADDED: April 05, 2017)
• Larsen Apple Barn - May NOT be pick your own; apples, peaches, pears, nectarines
  2461 Larsen Drive, Camino, CA 95709. Phone: 530-644-2293. Email: info@larsenapplebarn.com. Click here for a map and directions. . Also a bake shop and picnic area. Note: I haven't had an update from them since 2008 so call before you go; their website does not indicate that they allow pick-your-own any more, just already harvested. I have emailed them again (May 2018) to get an update) Other websites are simply copying information from here, so don't count on them!
• O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch - Apples, Pears, U-Pick, Pumpkin Patch, Cut & Choose Christmas Trees
  2261 Cable Road, Camino, CA . Phone: 530-644-3389. Open: It looks like only the pumpkins are U-pick, September - December. Click here for a map and directions. . We offer a variety of activities for the whole family that last from early September through the holidays. We hope you will stop in for a visit and taste our crisp, juicy apples and tree-ripened pears. We also have acres of pumpkin patch - you can cut your pumpkin right off the vine! And, If you are looking for the perfect Christmas Tree we have five varieties of quality trees to choose from. While you are here take a hike through our nature trail and have a picnic in the orchard. We look forward to seeing you! We have the perfect apple for you! We grow 14 varieties so whether you are looking for something sweet, tart, crispy, juicy or tannic we have you covered. We sell our apples by volume and all varieties are the same price. Apples, Pears, U-Pick, Pumpkin Patch, Apple Cider, Indian Corn, Picnic Area, Handmade Crafts, Nature Trail ,Cut & Choose Christmas Trees.

 

pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

pears, also known as serviceberries or Juneberries, are delicious and nutritious berries native to North America, mostly in the western Canada and northwestern U.S. . These small blue-purple berries grow on shrubs or small trees and have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and almonds. Here's what you need to know about pears, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

pears have a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in baked goods such as pies, muffins, and tarts, or even incorporated into jams, jellies, and sauces. pear berries also freeze well. They can be substituted for blueberries in recipes.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jam, jelly, freeze or make pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

• How to make pear jam
• How to freeze pears
• World's best and easiest pear pie
• How to Can pears
• How to make pear jelly
• How to make and can pear syrup
• How to make home-canned pear pie filling to use later
• pear buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping pear coffee cake

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of pear berry harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting pears from late June to early August. Keep an eye on the berries as they ripen to determine the best time for harvesting.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe pear berries are plump, firm, and have a deep purple-blue color. They should come off the plant easily when gently pulled or twisted. Look for berries that have a uniform color and avoid those that are still green or red. Taste a few berries to ensure they have reached the desired sweetness before harvesting the entire crop.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest pear berries, simply hold the branch beneath the cluster of ripe berries and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch the berries as they fall.

The easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers.  The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Be careful not to squeeze or crush the berries while harvesting to maintain their shape and quality.

Handling and Storage:

Handle pear berries with care as they are delicate and can bruise easily. After harvesting, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store the freshly picked berries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate the berries and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing the berries for longer-term storage.

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh pears in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked pears will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed pears freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

 

 

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