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Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Houston area of Texas in 2024, by county

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

Austin County

  • Thomas Family Ranch - blackberries,
    12753 Hahn Rd, Sealy, TX 77474. Phone: 979-865-9796. Email: jenny@thomasfamilyranch.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . in Sealy, Texas offers pick your own blackberries from mid May through mid June for $3 per pound. We also have AQHA registered Quarter Horses. in Sealy, Texas offers meat goats, show goats, border collies, and a pick your own blackberry patch. border collie puppies for sale

Chambers County

  • Berryland Farms of Texas - blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers, figs, peppers, plums, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food
    2877 Fm 1941 Road, Winnie, TX 77665. Phone: 713-551-6360. Email: mikendiana33@yahoo.com. Open: mid-May thru mid July; Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm. Directions: Coming from Houston area on I-10 east, take exit #819 \(Stuckey\'s\), stay on service road 2 12 miles, turn right on N. Pear Orchard Road., travel 5 12 miles to Berryland Farms. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Coming from Houston area on I-10 east, take exit #819 (Stuckey's), stay on service road 2 1/2 miles, turn right on N. Pear Orchard Road., travel 5 1/2 miles to Berryland Farms. Blackberries ripen in May Blueberries, Tomatoes and other vegetables ripen from June until mid July; Figs ripen around the first of July. Please visit our website for more information. We also have a pumpkin patch, corn maze and other fall activities in the fall! We do not have crops to pick during fall activities in October except for pumpkins. (UPDATED: April 13, 2018)

Fort Bend County

  • Blessington Farms - blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, ziplines, train rides (train on a track), trike track, pedal kart track, mining for gems, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
    510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476. Phone: (832) 444-8717. Email: info@blessingtonfarms.com. Open: hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Blessington Farms Facebook page. . Hours vary; please see our website and/ or Facebook page for current hours. Click here for current open Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. With strawberries grown hydroponically, you can pick standing up, so less bending over and strain on your back. . Farm Funland activities for kids (hay rides, Sand Mountain, barrel train rides, animal encounter with heritage breed chickens, big slides, pedal cars, Fall Festival and more).Pick your own blueberries and thornless blackberries. Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival. Fishing in a beautiful pond. Farm Funland: Outside adventures for the entire family including hay rides, giant slides, hay maze, barrel train ride, pedal cars, sand mountain, nature play area, steer roping, pony hops, and animal encounters (including chickens, miniature goats, camels, mini-donkeys and zebu). Shaded picnic areas. The perfect place to visit for school field trips. Blueberries: May to June, Blackberries: June. NEW...we are growing Fall vegetables for our Farmer's Market. Coming September! (UPDATED: August 27, 2020)A visitor writes on March 11, 2013: "Excellent location, farm is great for adults and kids alike! "

Galveston County

  • Fruits and Such Orchard - PYO blackberries and peaches
    6309 Avenue U (at Bowerman), Dickinson, TX 77539. Phone: 832-443-6733. Email: fruitsandsuch@verizon.net. Open: Monday to Friday from 6pm-8pm; Saturday and Sunday open all day . Click here for a map and directions. Fruits and Such Orchard . Pick-your-own Blackberries and Peach orchard. Blackberries are ready starting in early May. Herb Garden. Tomatoes, zucchini and other vegetables, Flowers. A visitor writes on July 03, 2013: "Great time at this little orchard in Dickinson! Great breeze off the Gulf made the hot day not too bad. Good number of peach trees - lots of variety! Plums too! Several varieties of tomatoes and blackberries. Great deal on bay leaf trees. They keep their Facebook page very up to do and and questions quickly."
    Comments from a visitor on June 09, 2011: "Just wanted to add a comment so there'd be a more recent one under their information and people will be able to see they're still current in operation. My family and I have visited Renee and Wilson at Fruits N' Such Orchard several times already this Spring/Summer, and have already enjoyed blackberries, tomatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, cucumbers, cantaloupe and finally.the PEACHES!! The herb garden is doing well as are the Guineas who run around all over the orchard producing lovely eggs for the kids to enjoy watching hatch as well as for purchase. Truly a worthy family farm to come visit with good prices and convenient hours. They also have a Facebook site, where they post the things going on at the farm each day..what's ripe, what's picked out for the day, egg availability, special hours, etc. Check them out soon!!"A visitor submitted this on June 11, 2008, and says: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the orchard. Picked two gallons of blackberries and toured the grounds. I especially appreciated the Herb Garden, with unusual and rare plants. "

Grimes County

  • Jollisant Farms Strawberry and Vegetable Garden - follows organic methods, strawberries, blackberries, vegetables
    11351 County Road 203, Plantersville, TX 77363. Phone: 936-894-2766. Email: jollisantfarms@gmail.com. Open: year round on Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm, closed on Monday. Directions: Take highway 105 to Plantersville Turn South on FM 1774, go 1 mile turn Left on County Road 203 go 1.5 miles we are on the Left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Jollisant Farms Strawberry and Vegetable Garden Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 936-870-5550. Fax: 936-894-3418. . We are a natural grower. We use organic methods (but we are not certified!) No pesticides or chemicals are used on our vegetables and fruit. Our food is all natural and grown with sunshine, water and care. They have a Pumpkin Patch OPENING the last SATURDAY in SEPTEMBER. Pick a pumpkin fresh off the vine. There is nothing like a truly fresh pumpkin. Our pumpkin patch is always busting over with pumpkins and gourds. Beautiful!!! Just Beautiful!!! Wild Caught Pork - The hogs we trap have thrived off the land without any added antibiotics or hormones. They are truly wild and have a much better flavor than domestically raised pigs. Click here to read more our wild caught pork.Field Trips - Bring your school class, home school group or daycare for a day at the farm. We enjoy educating kids about growing food naturally and life on a family farm. There is plenty to do and see! In order to make the most of your time, you must MAKE A RESERVATION at (936) 894-2766.Fishing (by appointment only) - Spend an afternoon fishing in our stocked pond full of bass, crappie, brim and more! Fishing doesn't get any easier than this and your kids will fall in love with fishing. Just call (936) 894-2766 if you have any questions. Birthday Parties - Celebrate at Jollisant Farm! Let us host your child's next birthday party. There are lots of things to do on our farm. Your guests are sure to have a great time! Call to MAKE A RESERVATION at (936) 894-2766 or click here for pricing.Weddings and Events - Let our farm be the backdrop for your wedding or special event. We have plenty of room for an outdoor event or use our hall inside. We can cater your event or you can bring food in for your guests. Just let us know how we can help make your day extra special.

Hardin County

  • Sztraky Farms - blackberries, and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand
    2541 FM 92, Silsbee, TX 77656. Phone: 409-385-2835. Email: berrysheepfarm@att.net. Open: NOTE: Yelp reports in 2018 they have closed down permanently and their website is gone. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . I'm trying to confirm this - Wednesday and Saturday only, from 8am till 1 pm or when we are picked out for the day. Click here for the contact the farm form and directions. Crops are usually available in May, June. Sheep for sale either as livestock or to butcher.

Harris County

  • Atkinson Farm - strawberries and blackberries
    3217 Spring Cypress Road, Spring, TX 77388. Phone: 832-381-8202. Email: atkinsonfarming@yahoo.com. Open: March 1 to October 31; Monday through Friday 10 - 6 and Sunday 10 - 2. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard . . . Just 3 minutes from Old Town Spring. Take I-45 North, Exit FM 2920 - Spring Cypress Road, Go west 2.0 miles on Spring Cypress Rd, Look for sign on the left.
    Comments from a visitor on April 28, 2011: "had a great time picking strawberries with my kids. the ladies in the market were friendly and helpful. good selection of fresh produce."
  • Harvest Season Farm - Blackberries, blueberries, figs, jujube (Asian dates), Asian pears and Asian persimmons (Shizi),
    21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball, TX 77377. Phone: 281-351-7676. Email: info@harvestseasonfarm.com. Open: Saturdays 10AM to 2PM, 10 am to 12 pm on July 4th, Hours change based upon crop availability, Events are by appointment only. Directions: The orchard is approximately 30 miles northwest of Houston off Highway 290, or 7 miles west of Tomball off FM 2920. Key map page 326, section B. From Houston: \(Approximately 30 miles\) Travel northwest on Highway 290 past 1960 \(7.3 miles\) to Mueschke Road. Turn north on Mueschke Road and go 3.2 miles to Bauer Hockley Road. At the Matt Family Orchard sign turn west and proceed 1 mile, through the green pipe gate. Go to the green barn. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate Phone: (713) 455-3211. . Saturdays 10AM to 2PM, (10 am to 12 pm on July 4th), Hours change based upon crop availability, Events are by appointment only. The orchard is approximately 30 miles northwest of Houston off Highway 290, or 7 miles west of Tomball off FM 2920. Key map page 326, section B. From Houston: (Approximately 30 miles) Travel northwest on Highway 290 past 1960 (7.3 miles) to Mueschke Road. Turn north on Mueschke Road and go 3.2 miles to Bauer Hockley Road. At the Matt Family Orchard sign turn west and proceed 1 mile, through the green pipe gate. Go to the green barn. Click here for directions and a map. Pick your own fresh fruit ripened on the tree. We are an organic orchard that has seasonal fruit: Blueberries, Blackberries, Asian Pears, Jujube's, Fig's, Very sweet Citrus, Some Pomegranate's, Persimmons, and very rare Mustang Grapes (Vitis mustangensis). We occasionally source organic Strawberries and Raspberries. Due to Covid-19 we have lost some of our labor force and are bouncing back to help take care of your organic fruit needs- Please be patient. We also have picnic facilities, camp fire area with wood and a BBQ pit area. We are only open on Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm. Sometimes closed for holidays and private events. Groups are encouraged and discounts given. Senior Citizens/Veterans always get a discount. We hope to see you and your family out enjoying the outdoors at our 45 acre Orchard. We have: 1,200 thornless blackberries, 175 fig trees, 70 Asian pear trees, 125 jujube trees and 1,100 Asian persimmon trees. We sale local honey, preserves, spreadable fruit and jams. . Quiet, peaceful and relaxing. Enjoy the fresh country air.Typical harvest dates are (always check their website or call before you go!) Blueberries during April and May; Citrus during September to December; Figs during July to October; Jujubes during June to August; Loquats during March and April; Peach during June to August; Asian Pears during June to September; Asian Persimmon during October to December. Formerly called Matt Family Orchard and Nursery. (UPDATED: June 30, 2020 JBS)
  • Neal's Berry Farm and Farmer's Market - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, beets, blackberries, carrots, figs, Muscadine grapes kale, peas, peppers, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties
    21104 Binford Road, Waller, TX 77484. Phone: (346) 412-5844. Email: noemail@noemail.com. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, ApplePay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Neal's Berry Farm and Farmer's Market Facebook page. . Farm is only open early May through early Fall, closed rest of the year; Blackberry season is typically: Early May through July; Fig season is typically: End of June through early Fall. Bronze Fry Scuppernong Muscadine Grape and Black Muscadine Grape season typically late July through early Fall. Check website before coming to make sure we are open that day;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Farm admission $3, ages 2 and up. Pick all fruit in our re-usable picking box, sold for $2 each, which holds about ten pounds. Cash preferred for entry/box fees; cards or cash OK for all other purchases. To pick zinnias, sunflowers and eggplant, please bring your own shears. Always check Facebook or "Updates" tab on website before coming-we may be picked out or rained out. Instagram @nealsberryfarm. (UPDATED: August 22, 2022)

Jasper County

  • Brown's Berry Farm - blueberries, blackberries
    Private Road 7022, Bon Wier, TX . Phone: 409-420-0461. Open: Our blueberries are usually available from the end of May through July; PLEASE CALL everytime you want to pick - picking conditions can change day to day. Click here for a map and directions. . Phone: (409) 963-4056. We are a pesticide free Blueberry/Blackberry farm, with 500 blueberry & 100 blackberry bushes. U pick OR We pick. Also organic yard eggs & yummy veggies!!! We sell our "blues" in pints or gallons and you can u-pick them, or we can pick them. PLEASE CALL for up to the day picking conditions. .

Montgomery County

  • Blakelock's Berries closed indefinitely - blackberries, blueberries,
    , Somewhere, TX . Phone: . Click here for a map of the area.
  • P-6 Farms - Blackberries, honey, farm market, restrooms, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, picnic area, Bouncy castle or moon bounce, birthday parties, tours of the operation, group tours
    9963 Pooles Road, Montgomery, TX 77356. Phone: 936-597-6062. Email: poole.carey@gmail.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From I-45 in Conroe: Exit highway 105 and go west to Montgomery, about 15 miles. We are 2.3 miles from downtown Montgomery. Turn right on the 2nd road past the high school and stadium, Pooles Road From highway 6 in Navasota: Exit highway 105, about 20 miles. We are about 5 miles from the blinking light in Dobbin. Turn left on Pooles Rd, across from the cellular tower \(look for our sign on the left\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
    P-6 Farms Facebook page. . Pumpkin From I-45 in Conroe: Exit highway 105 and go west to Montgomery, about 15 miles. We are 2.3 miles from downtown Montgomery. Turn right on the 2nd road past the high school and stadium, Pooles Road From highway 6 in Navasota: Exit highway 105, about 20 miles. We are about 5 miles from the blinking light in Dobbin. Turn left on Pooles Rd, across from the cellular tower (look for our sign on the left). Blackberries in April/May. The annual Blooms and berries festival is (in 2018) April 21st & 22nd, April 28th & 29th, May 5th & 6th on Saturdays: 10AM - 7PM and Sundays: Noon - 5PM. With U-PICK 'EM, COW TRAIN, FARM ANIMALS, BUNNY VILLAGE, FERRIS WHEEL, HAY RIDEKIDDIE WHIP, JUMPING PILLOW, FRIENDLY FIRE, DUCK RACES, TUG 'O WAR, RAT ROLLERS, WHEEL BARROW RACES, TIRE MOUNTAIN, APPLE BLASTERS, ROCKN WILLYS, TUBE SLIDES, ROLLER SLIDE, TETHER BALL, POOLE'S PEAKJUST a small sample of our Mouthwatering Treats: BBQ SANDWICHES, SAUSAGE, KETTLE CORN, BERRY SPECIALTIES.
    Comments from a visitor on October 29, 2012: "P-6 Farms is a GREAT place to take the kids for fall festivities. They have a corn maze, tractor rides, hay ride farm tours, bounce pillow and a ton of other things to do."

Polk County

  • Hamilton Berry Farm - Blueberries, Blackberries
    Camp Ruby Road, Livingston, TX . Phone: 936-563-4910. Click here for a map and directions. . East from Livingston 12 miles on US 190, turn right on FM 1276, go 1-one half miles and turn right on Camp Ruby Road, 3 miles to farm.
  • Jackson Fruit Farm - Blackberries (mid May - July)
    Holly Grove Road, Livingston, TX . Phone: 936-685-4658. Email: jfarms@samlink.com. Open: mid April though May. Click here for a map and directions. . , From Livingston, 10 miles South on Hwy 146, turn left on Holly Grove Road, 5 miles and turn left to farm. Or, from Livingston, 8 miles East on Hwy 943, turn on Holly Grove Road, 5 miles to farm. Phone:

Trinity County

  • Bluebonnet Berries - blackberries, blueberries and prepicked produce
    10356 South State Hwy 94, Trinity, TX 75862. Phone: 936-594-6473. Email: bjtjwt@msn.com. Open: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm; The orchard will now also be open Monday Thru Saturday only closed on Sundays. Directions: From the intersection of Robb street and State hwy 94 in Trinity, go 5&12 miles east on hwy 94. Located on left at the corner of Bluebonnet Ridge road, At the 4 rail white vinyl fence. From Glendale go 1&12 miles west on hwy 94,located on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . From the intersection of Robb street and State hwy 94 in Trinity, go 5&1/2 miles east on hwy 94. Located on left at the corner of Bluebonnet Ridge road, At the 4 rail white vinyl fence. From Glendale go 1&1/2 miles west on hwy 94,located on right. Crops are usually available in May, June, July. 7:00 am to 7:00 pm; The orchard will now also be open Monday Thru Saturday (only closed on Sundays). Blackberries May 15 to June 07; Blueberries June 01 to July 15.

Walker County

  • Bius Berry Farms - No pesticides are used, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, picnic area you may bring your own food
    Timberwilde Subdivision, Huntsville, TX 77340. Phone: 936-291-7552. Email: info@bnbtex.com. Open: Blueberries should begin to ripen the second week of May; Blackberries should ripen in June; Please, call or email us for days and times to pick your own before you come out. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Bius Berry Farms . . We do not use pesticides on the crops. (ADDED: April 29, 2015)

Waller County

  • Blessington Farms - blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, pedal kart track, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
    510 Chisolm Trail, Simonton, TX 77476. Phone: 832-444-8717. Email: info@blessingtonfarms.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Blessington Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 832-247-8168. . Strawberries December to March, Blackberries and Blueberries May to July. Come slide down a giant slide, feed the camels, pet the goats and even get an amazing pic in our bluebonnet patch. Sooooo much to do and soooooo much fun to be had. Come see us! Field trip or birthday party reservation?? We are booking now for April and May...make yours today. See you soon!! Check the website for additional details and updates BEFORE you make the trip. (UPDATE: April 14, 2018) (ADDED: March 07, 2016)
  • Signature Retreat (formerly Seebu Farm) - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries,
    8589 Farm To Market 359, Pattison, TX 77466. Phone: (832) 818-2411. Email: ryoung159@gmail.com. Open: Mid May to mid June May 15 thru June 15; Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . . Mid May to mid June (May 15 thru June 15); Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. (UPDATED: May 11, 2019)

 

Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Wild blackberries for making jamIn the U.S. Blackberries 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 Blackberries, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions. See this page for a list of blackberry festivals around the U.S.

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 Blackberries, 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 Blackberries 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 Blackberries

  1. There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless! Obviously, the thornless are easier to pick, but some people claim the thorny varieties are sweeter. With the thorny plants, you want to reach into the plant in the gaps, so you don't need to touch anything but the berry you're after, avoiding the thorns.
  2. A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug.  If the berry is red or purple, it's not ripe yet.
  3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries.Unlike strawberries, blackberries are usually pretty tough, I dump mine into the bucket. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
  4. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Blackberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Pick only the berries that are fully black. 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!
  2. 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. Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.

When you get home

  1. blackberries, just pick from a pick your own farmDON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
  2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
  3. 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) Blackberries 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 blackberries (while they are in the fridge)!
  4. Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase

Blackberry Recipes, Freezing and Jam directions

  1. How to make Blackberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Blackberry jam directions - very easy!
  2. How to make Blackberry jelly
  3. How to freeze berries
  4. Blackberry syrup, make and can it! 
  5. Seedless blackberry pie!
  6. Blackberry Festivals: Where, When and More to Find an Blackberry Festival Near You this year:

Blackberry Facts and Tips

  • Black Raspberries, also known as "black caps" are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
  • The USDA says 1 cup of blackberries has about 62 calories.
  • 1 cup of blackberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
  • Select plump, firm, fully blackberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
  • Ohio State University's Article Regarding Their Prevention of Cancer
  • Oregon Berry Black Raspberry Brochure
  • Blackberry tea was said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War. During outbreaks of dysentery, temporary truces were declared to allow both Union and Confederate soldiers to "go blackberrying" to forgage for blackberries to ward off the disease.
  • Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against many ailments, including gout.
  • The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, having been recommended by Culpeper, the English herbalist, to be boiled in a lye solution in order to "maketh the hair black".
  • Guide to blackberry varieties
  • Researchers have known for quite some time that berries contain antioxidants which help to fight cancer causing free radicals.  A study at the University of Ohio has found that blackberries are the most potent cancer fighting berries of them all, by nearly 40 percent!
  • U-pick Blackberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
  • Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Blackberries 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 blackberry 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)