2024 Montgomery and southeastern Alabama Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Montgomery and southeastern Alabama in 2024, by county

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

Barbour County

• Hidden Acres Fruit Farm - Muscadines, blueberries, pears, persimmons, mixed vegetables, figs
  133 Hidden Acres Road, Eufaula, AL 36027. Phone: (334) 687-3922. Directions: Turn onto Gammage Rd off Hwy 431. Look for sign. . Click here for a map and directions. May 15-October 1, Daily Daylight hours

Chilton County

• Cooedy Farms - muscadine grapes, nectarines, peas, peaches, persimmons, plums, tomatoes, other vegetables, U-pick and already picked
  2949 County Road 354, Clanton, AL 35045. Phone: 205-389-1837. Open: Monday to Sunday, from 7 am to 8 pm May 1 to October 31. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. .
• Petals from the Past - blueberries, blackberries, figs, muscadines, persimmons, kiwi, flowers
  16034 County Road 29, Jemison, AL 35085. Phone: 205-646-0069. Email: Info@petalsfromthepast.com. Open: 9-5 Tues-Saturday, 1-5 Sunday. Click here for a map and directions. . Please call before you come. Crops available: blueberries (May 21-July 7); Blackberries (June); figs ( Sept.); flowers (seasonal - all summer). The fields are open to u-pick Tuesday-Saturday 9-5 and Sunday from 1-5. Muscadines are now available for u-pick or already picked . Oriental Persimmons and Kiwi are also available. Take Jemison Exit 219 off I-65; travel West to Smokey Hollow Restaurant; left onto County Road 29 for 1 mile.(UPDATED: June 25, 2018, JBS) (UPDATED: June 13, 2016, JBS) A visitor writes on July 07, 2013: "Very sophisticated operation. They have lots of activities and tours. Run by family. 2 are Horticulturalists. 1 is Dr Arlie Powell, retired from Auburn University. We follow Dr. Powell's recommendations for growing blackberries on trellises for our farm. They also have Asian pears, muscadines, satsumas, lemons, kumquats, restrooms, gift shop, tours of the operation"
  Comments from a visitor on June 30, 2008: "Hello, My family and I stopped in Petals of the Past in Thorsby, Alabama to pick blueberries and blackberries yesterday. I have to admit, it's a really neat place, and it is obviously a well-operated business with a highly trained staff, but their prices for U-pick fruit are far higher (in some instances 3x higher) than most of others in the area. I felt slightly taken after paying 5.99 per lb. for u-pick fruit. This morning I called other listings on your site and learned that most were charging in the $6 to $10 range for a gallon of fruit. I know I should have done my homework, but I thought maybe you might want to note this in their listing. thanks" Note: $5.99 per lb is equivalent to about $16/gallon.

Elmore County

• Barber Berry Farm, LLC - blueberries, muscadine, scuppernongs, peppers, persimmons, tomatoes, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations
  2362 Alabama River Parkway, Millbrook, AL 36054. Phone: 334-549-4710. Email: kenandanida@barberberryfarm.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, SFMNP Vouchers.
  Barber Berry Farm, LLC Facebook page. . . Berries are usually ripe for picking the first week of June through the middle of July. ome visit our farm in Millbrook, Alabama where you can pick your own pesticide-free blueberries from late May through early July along with pesticide-free muscadine and scuppernongs from late August through September. We also grow a variety of vegetables in our covered outdoor hydroponic garden. We sell these along with our raw honey and Asian persimmons, when in season, at our fruit stand and through our online Produce Shopping List Service. 2019 prices are Blueberries (Late May through Early July) 1/2 gallon bucket: $8 (approx 2.75 lb of fruit)1 gallon bucket: $15 (approx 5.5 lb of fruit)Muscadine and Scuppernongs (Late Aug through early Oct) 1/2 gallon bucket: $6 (approx 2.75 lb of fruit)1 gallon bucket: $10 (approx 5.5 lb of fruit) 3 or more gallons: $ 9 per gallon bucket (UPDATED: October 4, 2020 JBS)
• Porters Place - Blueberries, figs, Grapes, Pears, Persimmons, Muscadines
  3865 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Phone: 334-514-9642. Open: from mid-June to Ocober, call for hours and availability. Click here for a map and directions. . 3 AND 6/10 MILES FROM THE BEGINNING OF ALABAMA HIGHWAY 9 (INTERSECTION US 231 NORTH OF WETUMPKA) ON THE LEFT SIDE OF ROAD.

 

Persimmon Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Persimmons, 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 Persimmons, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

Persimmons 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. Persimmon 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 Persimmon pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

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

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of Persimmon 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 Persimmons 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 Persimmon 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 Persimmon 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 Persimmon 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 Persimmons in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked Persimmons 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 Persimmons 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