2024 Northeastern Maine Gooseberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
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Gooseberry U-Pick Orchards in Northeastern Maine in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for gooseberries that we know of in this area.
Not all areas of a state have gooseberries 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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Washington County
Smithereen Farm - Certified Organic, apples, aronia berries, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, elderberries, flowers, gooseberries, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, Other fruit or veg, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms 306 Youngs Cove Road, Pembroke, ME 04666. Phone: (207) 726-4442. Email: severine@smithereenfarm.com. Open: all the time, honor box. Directions: Drive down Leighton point road, turn right on Youngs Cove road, follow road until blueberry land sign on left side of road, aprox 2 miles from Leighton point road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Smithereen Farm Facebook page. July - September. We are certified organic for all crops! facebook page. (ADDED: August 05, 2019)
gooseberries
Gooseberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
If
you are about to pick Gooseberries either directly from a tree, or from a local
orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best Gooseberries.
Gooseberries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last
frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same
time as strawberries in most areas (but
check your area's
harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning
to go to a few weeks ahead).
Gooseberry
picking tips
Here are tips and instructions on how to pick Gooseberries:
Timing is Key: Gooseberries
are typically ready for picking in the summer, usually from June to July, depending on the variety and your location.
Always check with the farm before you go; conditions can change dramatically from day to day.
Preparation
Use Clean Hands: Make sure your hands are clean before you start picking to avoid transferring
dirt or contaminants to the berries.
Bring Containers: Use shallow containers, baskets, or colanders to collect the berries. This
prevents them from being crushed under their own weight.
.
How to Choose and Pick Gooseberries
Look for Color and
Size: Choose gooseberries that are fully ripe and have reached their full color. The color varies depending on the variety and can range from
green to red or even purple. See this page for description sof each of the varieties of gooseberries.
Test for Ripeness: Gently squeeze the gooseberries. Ripe ones should be slightly soft to the touch
but not mushy. They should give a little when pressed.
Be Gentle with Berries: Gooseberries are delicate and can bruise easily.
Handle them with care to maintain their quality.
Avoid Underripe Berries: Leave berries that are hard and unyielding on the
bush, as they are not yet ripe.
Check the Softness: Be cautious of berries that are overly soft, as they might be overripe and
prone to bruising.
Mind the Thorns: Gooseberry bushes can have thorns, so wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your hands and
arms while picking.
Use Gentle Pressure: Hold the gooseberry gently between your thumb and forefinger, and twist it slightly to
detach it from the stem.
Harvest Clusters: Gooseberries often grow in clusters. You can pick entire clusters by gently holding the
branch and detaching the whole group at once.
Inspect for Pests: While picking, keep an eye out for any pests that might be hiding
in the foliage or on the berries.
Avoid Removing Leaves: Try to avoid pulling off leaves or damaging the bush while picking.
Leaves provide energy to the plant.
;
After Harvesting
Cool: Get them into the shade as soon as possible.
Separate Unripe and Ripe Berries: As you pick, separate underripe berries from
ripe ones to ensure even ripening and better quality.
Store Properly: After picking, gently transfer the gooseberries into shallow containers or bags. Store them in the refrigerator as
soon as possible to maintain freshness.
- *
Before you leave to go to the farm:
Always call before you go to the farm - Gooseberries are affected by weather
(especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when
they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so
CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Gooseberries are affected by weather
(especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when
they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so
CALL first!
Leave
early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Gooseberries, 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 Gooseberries more than
3 inches deep will smush the lower Gooseberries.
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.
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.
When you get home
DON'T wash the Gooseberries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them
more prone to spoiling.
Keep them cool: Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not
to freeze Gooseberries! (Fresh Gooseberries are highly prone to freeze
damage).
Sort again: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting Gooseberries
Freeze: Gooseberries can also be frozen for longer storage.
Use Quickly: Gooseberries have a
relatively short shelf life. Plan to use or preserve them within a few days of picking.
Consider Usage: Gooseberries can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as jams, pies, sauces, and even pickles
Use or freeze quickly: Even under ideal conditions Gooseberries will only keep for a
week or two in
a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as
possible after purchase.