2024 Augusta area of Maine Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Augusta area of Maine 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.

Androscoggin County

• Roberts' Orchard - apples, pears, peaches, plums, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), school tours
  Poland Corner Road, Poland, ME 4274. Phone: 207-998-4183. Email: robertsorchard207@gmail.com. Open: Dates vary. Directions: From Route 26 in Poland, Maine, right onto Poland Corner Road, 1.3 miles on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Roberts' Orchard Facebook page. . The storefront of the packing house sells the Roberts' fresh, hand-pressed apple cider as well as harvested apples and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The orchard harvests a variety of apples including: Macintosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Empire, Golden Delicious.

Kennebec County

• Mt Nebo Orchards by Pine Bluff Farms - apples, pears, plums, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, porta-potties are available
  339 Wings Mill Road, Mount Vernon, ME 4352. Phone: 207-242-8763. Email: sandiandjeff2000@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10 am to 6; Private events scheduled by appt only; We can do field trips too. Directions: Route 27n in Belgrade. Left on Route 135 \(Manchester Road\), Right onto Wings Mill Road and a couple miles on the right passed the dam. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Route 27n in Belgrade. Left on Route 135 (Manchester Road), Right onto Wings Mill Road and a couple miles on the right passed the dam. September and October.

Knox County

• Hope Orchards - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, pears, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, school tours
  434 Camden Road, Hope, ME 4847. Phone: (207) 763-2824. Email: apples@hopeorchards.com. Open: Thursdays: noon to 5 pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 9 am to 6 pm. Directions: From Camden: Route 1 to Route 105 west, six miles to Hope Center. Orchard on left, across from Creative Paint Concepts and the Hope Town Office. From Union: Route 17 toward Rockland, left onto Route 235 \(sign for Hope there\). Drive 8 miles to Hope Center, turn right onto Route 105. Hope Orchard is on right, one quarter of a mile from corner. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Hope Orchards Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From Camden: Route 1 to Route 105 west, six miles to Hope Center. Orchard on left, across from Creative Paint Concepts and the Hope Town Office. From Union: Route 17 toward Rockland, left onto Route 235 (sign for Hope there). Drive 8 miles to Hope Center, turn right onto Route 105. Hope Orchard is on right, one quarter of a mile from corner. Paula Red Apples: September 9 to September 17 Ginger Gold Apples: September 9 to September 17 Mcintosh Apples: September 15 pm to 30 Cortland Apples: September 15 pm to 30 Crabapples (Hyslop): September 9 to 30 Empire Apples: September 29 - October 23 Macoun Apples: September 29 - October 23 Spartan Apples: October 6 to 23 Northern Spy Apples: October 6 to October 23 Golden Delicious Apples: October 13 pm to October 23 Red Delicious Apples: October 13 pm to October 23 Golden Russet Apples: October 28 to 30 Baldwin Apples: October 28 to 30 Tolman Sweet Apples: October 28 to 30 Bosc Pears: October 13 pm to 30 Spartlet Pears: September 29 to October 12. We use integrated pest management practices. At our farm stand we have: Apples, Pears, Fresh Pressed Cider, Dried Apples, Crab Apples, Pumpkins, Squash, Raspberries, Sparky's Honey, Maple Syrup and more!. (UPDATED: May 06, 2015, JBS)

Waldo County

• Elwell Organic Fruit Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, cherries, chestnuts, pears, peaches, plums, restrooms, school tours
  50 Elwell Road Off The Back Brooks Road In Monroe, Monroe, ME 4951. Phone: 207 525 3130. Email: elwellwatts@myfairpoint.net. Open: Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, August 1 to November 15; Call prior to confirm and update for availability. Directions: Off the Back Brooks Road in Monroe, 50 Elwell Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Elwell Organic Fruit Farm Alternate Phone: 930 5978. . Plums: Apricots: July; July to October; Apples August to November; Pears July to November; Peaches: July to October. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. (ADDED: August 27, 2015)

 

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