2024 Northern Virginia Nectarine U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Nectarine U-Pick Orchards in Northern Virginia in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for nectarines that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have nectarines 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.

Clarke County

• Mackintosh Fruit Farm - apples, asparagus, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, nectarines, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. Phone: 540-955-6225. Email: lori@mackintoshfruitfarm.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm, May to October 31 and on Memorial Day, July 4 Thursday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Halloween . Directions: Route 7 West Take right onto Russell Road 1.5 miles on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mackintosh Fruit Farm Facebook page. Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesEvents: Peach Festival, Honey Bee Day, Honey Crisp Day, Apple Butter Day, monthly farm dinners, and cider pressing; Calendar-May-strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens; June - strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, onions, and flowers; July-blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, donut peaches, peaches, corn, eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes; August-apples, Asian pears, yellow and white peaches, plums, grapes, and honey; September-apples, pawpaws, honey crisp apples, Asian pears, and potatoes; October -apples, pumpkins, fall squash, sweet potatoes, and ciderAll pick your own fruit and vegetables are also available as pre-picked in the market for purchase. Events: We can also host your events including: group meetings, school tours, weddings, and rehearsals. Call for more details. (UPDATED: January 19, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: June 22, 2016)

Fauquier County

• Stribling Orchard - Apples, nectarines, pears, peaches, pumpkins, beef
  11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, VA 22643. Phone: 540-364-3040. Email: info@striblingorchard.com. Open: 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday thru Sunday, depending on the availability of ripe fruit; We are open in July, August, September, and October. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions.
  Stribling Orchard Facebook page. . Crop availability: Peaches: Early July - Late August; Apples: Mid/Late August - Early NovemberClick here for a map to our farmOur peaches are available from mid-July through mid-August and our apples from mid-August through early November. Beginning in September, we offer fresh cider and all sizes and shapes of pumpkins. Come and enjoy a day in the country at our orchard. Relax, bring a picnic, and enjoy our breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come see our historic buildings, visit our many farm animals, and pick some of Virginia's finest fruit. We are the sixth generation of Striblings to farm this land, and we are proud of the fruit our family has grown for over 200 years. But, not only have we been growing fruit, we have also been raising cattle for as long as the farm has existed. For the first time ever, we are selling our grass fed beef directly to the public! Every beef sold is raised from birth by the Stribling family. Our grass fed beef, from the well known Angus breed, spend their days grazing naturally on our pastures in northern Fauquier County. You can see them in the fields adjoining the orchard and in the immediate area.
  Comments from a visitor on September 26, 2010: "Just got back from a great time at! They handed out a map of the orchard with descriptions of the types of apples. You can drive through the orchard and the ground is not very steep for those with trouble walking or small children (we were pulling a toddler in a wagon with no trouble). There were places to picnic in the orchard and plenty of good apples to pick. "

Loudoun County

• Brossman Family Farm - Strawberries, Peaches, nectarines, pumpkins
  14740 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg, VA 20176. Phone: 703-777-1127. Email: brossmanfarmstand@gmail.com. Open: See hours at right and updates on oour website. Click here for a map and directions.
  Brossman Family Farm Facebook page. Formerly called Brossman's Orchard. For peaches and nectarines, check back around July 4th. We opened on Saturday May 6 with early season fruit and produce: strawberries, asparagus, spinach, spring onions, potatoes, rhubarb, tomatoes and fresh cut lettuce; breads, honey; vegetable plants, hanging tomato baskets, potting soil and fertilizer. Come on out and visit! Mostly a farm market, they do allow some pick-your-own crops from time to time, but apparently do not advertise it. (UPDATED: December 05, 2019, JBS)

Rappahannock County

• High Places Orchards - Cherries, raspberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples.
  121 Winesap Lane, Flint Hill-Huntly, VA . Phone: 540-635-5537. Open: Sunday from 12:30 till dark, Saturday from 10 to dark, call for other days; best to call in advance to see what is available. Click here for a map and directions. From Front Royal, follow Route 522 eight miles south, turn left on Route 662 east and go a half-mile, then turn left on Winesap Lane and follow it to the orchards. Monday through Saturday dawn to dusk, Sundays noon to dusk through early November; call for hours. (UPDATED: September 22, 2013, by phone)
• Jenkins' Orchards - Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Pears, honey from hives on the farm
  355 Yancey Road, Woodville, VA 22749. Phone: 540 987-8192. Open: Daily from 9am to 6pm, Mid July- Mid December. Directions: Click here for a map and directions&URL=https:www.mapquest.com#c7db2ec54bfcb110c30600a6\>Directions: Click here for a map and directions". Click here for a map and directions. Jenkins' Orchards We have fresh packed honey, plums, red haven peaches, white peaches, nectarines, white nectarines, corn, cantaloupe, watermelons, peppers, onions, cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes, apricots, squash, and more!!! Stop by and pick up some beautiful flowers to help support Sperryville fire department. And don't forget about the lamb,pork and ground beef. We are a family owned orchard since 1954. Our season begins in mid June till Mid December. We are growers of peaches, plums, apple and pears.
• Mont Medi LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, nectarines, peaches, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
  513 F T Valley Road, Sperryville, VA 22740. Phone: (703) 447-3220. Email: info@ftvalleyfarm.com. Open: Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 6pm. Directions: 8 miles south of Sperryville on Rte 231 \(F T Valley Road\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Mont Medi LLC Facebook page. 8 miles south of Sperryville on Rte 231 (F T Valley Road)July thru 3rd week of November. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsApples, Peaches and Nectarine. (ADDED: September 21, 2021)
• Muskrat Haven - - Strawberries, blueberries, thornless blackberries, red raspberries, peaches, nectarines, apples, vegetables.
  20 Cedarbreak Ln, Amissville, VA 20106. Phone: 540-937-5892. Open: 9 am to 5 pm, daily, beginning May 15-October 31; Pick-your-own strawberries from late May until mid-June; blueberries, mid-June to late July; black raspberries, mid-June for two weeks; red raspberries, late June to first frost; blackberries, mid-July to mid-August; pumpkins from the last of September to October 31. Click here for a map and directions. Muskrat Haven Alpternate phone: 540-937-5891 On Route 211, four miles west of Amissville, VA. We also have a farm market on Route 211, where we have fresh-picked sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, watermelons, cantaloupes and other veggies. We also have a large variety of Muskrat Haven jams, jellies and Virginia grown mountain honey and much more. (UPDATED: July 19, 2013,JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on October 02, 2009: "Visited in September 2009 on a fluke -- because we saw a PYO raspberries sign on the road. This was my first PYO experience since New Hampshire strawberries 30+ years ago, so I'm not 'up' on how things PYO should be now-adays. Nice folks, nice set-up, good berries, will be going back."

 

Nectarine

Nectarine Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Nectarines typically peak during early summer: In the U.S., that's late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local Nectarines, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of nectarines for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Nectarines are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) 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 nectarines, 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 Nectarines more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
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.
5. You might want to ask whether the nectarines are! There are two major types of nectarines: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone nectarines and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most nectarine varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions nectarines will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Nectarine jam or canned nectarines - It is VERY easy - especially with our free peach / nectarine recipes. Yes, they are interchangeable!
    - nectarine jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned nectarines from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze nectarines instead!
   - make your own home canned nectarine pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy nectarine pie recipe
   or nectarine-blueberry pie  or how about
   - nectarine salsa?
   - Nectarine chutney
   - Spiced nectarines
   - nectarine butter
   - Nectarine honey
   - pickled nectarines
   - nectarine syrup
   - nectarine juice
6. Here are some great and easy nectarine desert recipes, like easy nectarine cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe nectarines have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Nectarines should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33F to 40F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the nectarines are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Nectarines are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Nectarines will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a nectarine is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your nectarines very firm, pick your nectarines with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Nectarines at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Nectarines won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Nectarines

A nectarine is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a nectarine gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the nectarine firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the nectarine into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Nectarines: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the nectarine. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the nectarines if the nectarines were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the nectarine. There's nothing wrong with these nectarines. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free nectarines, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium nectarines = 1 cup sliced nectarines.
• About 4 medium nectarines = 1 cup pureed nectarine.
• About 3 medium nectarines = 1 pound of nectarines

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh nectarines yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh nectarines typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced nectarines or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned nectarines.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh nectarines are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 nectarines makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 nectarines make about 2 cups puree. 1 nectarine equals about 1 cup puree.

Nectarines - Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent, Most recent data (2020)

Form	Average retail price *3		Preparation yield factor	Size of a cup equivalent	Unit	Average price per cup equivalent
Fresh *1	$1.72	per pound	0.96	0.342	pounds	$0.61
Canned
Packed in juice *2	$2.02	per pound	1	0.540	pounds	$1.09
Packed in syrup or water *3	$1.81	per pound	0.65	0.441	pounds	$1.23
Frozen	$3.39	per pound	1	0.331	pounds	$1.12
Note 1 - The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) reports that the inedible pit of a nectarine accounts for 4 percent of the retail weight, implying a preparation yield of 96 percent, when eaten raw.
Note 2 - Consumers are assumed to eat the solid fruit and drink the juice. All contents of the can are edible and count towards an individual's recommended fruit consumption.
Note 3 - The syrup (or water) is discarded prior to consumption. Based on the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED), ERS assumes that 65 percent of the can's gross weight is solid and 35 percent is liquid. The FPED cup equivalent weight for canned fruit is the weight of the solids and not of the liquid medium in which it is packed. The preparation yield factor for canned nectarines in the above table does not account for any further preparation that occurs prior to consumption.
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service calculations from 2020 Circana (formerly Information Resources, Inc. [IRI]) OmniMarket Core Outlets (formerly InfoScan) data; the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), Legacy Release; and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED) 2017�18 as well as the FPED's accompanying Methodology and User Guide.

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Nectarine pit tips

It's best to remove nectarine pits before you cook the nectarines. Cherry, nectarine, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, nectarine, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

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