2024 Fingerlakes Region of New York State Gooseberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Gooseberry U-Pick Orchards in Fingerlakes Region of New York State 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.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

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Monroe County

• Burch Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, blueberries, cherries, currants (red and black), gooseberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), strawberries,
  527 North Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468. Phone: 585 392 2095. Email: info@burchfarms.com. Open: Every day 8am to 5pm weather permitting June 15 to August 15. Directions: 1 mile north of Hilton on Route 259. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Fax: 585 392-2411 We use integrated pest management practicesWe have U-Pick berries and cherries, and Ready-Pick strawberries, peaches, nectarines and apples at our roadside stand, all in season.
• Chase Farms Market - raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries, currants, pumpkins
  459 Pannell Road, Fairport, NY 14450. Phone: 315-986-4013. Open: U-Pick from 7 am to noon Monday through Friday and weeknights from 6 pm to 8 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions.
  Chase Farms Market Facebook page. Saturday and Sunday we are open for U-Pick from 7 am to 1pm only. Summer hours for you pick raspberries are everyday from 8am to noon. Monday through Friday we also have evening hours form 6pm to 8pm. Summer red raspberries are ripe and ready to pick the month of July. Purple raspberries are available for you pick by mid July. We also have currents and gooseberries for you pick at this time. Our raspberry bushes are all trellised and easy to reach we encourage everyone in the family to participate in this fun activity. Once again a wagon will give you a ride to and from the patch. Chase Farms has 15 acres of raspberries, both summer and fall bearing varieties. We anticipate that summer raspberries will be available beginning in early July, please check their website for any updates (UPDATED: September 9, 2023, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on July 07, 2009: "IT IS THE BEST!!!!There is a picnic area, petting zoo, shortcake stand."
• Green Acre Fruit Farm - apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, currants (red and black), gooseberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), picnic area, school tours
  3460 Latta Road, Rochester, NY 14612. Phone: 585-234-0252. Open: Strawberries Mon to Friday 7am to 7 pm, Saturday, Sun 7am to 4pm Summer hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday thru Thursday 8am to 8pm Sat and Sunday from 8am to 4pm; After 91 open 9am to 5pm daily Strawberries start mid June, Raspberries early July and all fall long. Directions: 390 north to Latta Rd exit. Go west, left, 3 miles. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Strawberries Mon to Friday 7am to 7 pm, Saturday, Sun 7am to 4pm Summer hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday thru Thursday 8am to 8pm Sat and Sunday from 8am to 4pm; After 9/1 open 9am to 5pm daily Strawberries start mid June, Raspberries early July and all fall long Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November. pricots mid July, Blueberries mid July, Peach/Nectarine early August, Apples, plums, pumpkins start September thru end of October Green Acre is THE "Farm to Pick"
  Comments from a visitor on September 27, 2010: "I LOVE it!!! It makes for a great family outing!"

Wayne County

• G and S Orchards - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, currants (red and black), gooseberries, other berries, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries,
  825 Atlantic Avenue ( Route 286) 1 mile East of Penfield Town Line, Walworth, NY 14568. Phone: 315-524-3823. Email: gcraft@rochester.rr.com. Open: You Pick Daily: weather permitting or call for times, changes with each crop; Farm Stand: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm; June thru November with picked seasonal fruits and vegetables. Directions: From NYS Route 590, take Exit 7, proceed East on Atlantic Avenue \( Route 286\) exactly 10 miles. Farm is on the North East corner at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue \(Route 286\) and Lincoln Road Just 15 minutes from Downtown Rochester. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax:. From NYS Route 590, take Exit 7, proceed East on Atlantic Avenue ( Route 286) exactly 10 miles. Farm is on the North East corner at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue (Route 286) and Lincoln Road Just 15 minutes from Downtown RochesterCrops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November Apples: September 20 to November 2, Blackberries: September 20 to October 12, Black Raspberries: July 12 to August 3, Sweet Cherries: June 28 to August 24, Currants: July 5 to August 3, Gooseberries: July 5 to August 3, Pumpkins: September 27 to October 31, Purple Raspberries: July 12 to August 10, Red Raspberries: June 28 to July 27, Strawberries: June 14 to July 13CSA shares also available and Sales on Saturdays at Fairport Farmers Market (June thru November). Our "High Quality, High Taste Produce" is grown using Good Agricultural Practices and Integrated Pest Management Methods. (UPDATED: May 11, 2016, JBS) (UPDATED: September 11, 2013, jbs)
  Comments from a visitor on July 05, 2009: "Loved the orchard and the people. We arrived later in the day - just before they were going to close, and they didn't rush us to finish. Better then most of the other orchards around.

Wyoming County

• Wells Berry Farm - blueberries, currants (red and black), gooseberries, strawberries, snacks and refreshment stand
  5567 Route 19A, Castile, NY 14427. Phone: 585-493-3365. Email: wellsccw@aol.com. Open: 7 days a week from 7 AM until Dark, during the picking months Please call 585-493-3365 Strawberries May 11 to June 20th Blueberries July until September open daily 7 until dark Come visit the Wells Berry Farm where leaning and laughter abound just 1 mile from Letchworth State Park. Directions: From Warsaw, 8 miles south on Route 19 A on the curve Big blue sign out front of Farm; From Perry take Route 39 to Castile then right on Route 19 A 1 mile on the curve. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Wells Berry Farm

 

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:

What type

See this page for gooseberry varieties.

When

• 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.

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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.
  
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Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. 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!
2. Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. 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.
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.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the Gooseberries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. 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).
3. Sort again: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting Gooseberries
4. Freeze: Gooseberries can also be frozen for longer storage.
5. Use Quickly: Gooseberries have a relatively short shelf life. Plan to use or preserve them within a few days of picking.
6. Consider Usage: Gooseberries can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as jams, pies, sauces, and even pickles
7. 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.
8. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
9. Now, get ready to make Gooseberries jam - It is VERY easy

Gooseberries Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Gooseberry jelly
• Gooseberry festivals
• Gooseberry  facts - useful, interesting and fun facts

 

 

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