2024 Niagara area of Ontario Pear U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick Orchards in Niagara area of Ontario in 2024, by county

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

Not all areas of a province or region have pears 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.

Niagara (Grimsby, Jordan Station, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland)

• Cherry Avenue Farms - Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Pears, Blue, Yellow and Red plums
  4303 Cherry Avenue, Lincoln, ON L0R2C0. Phone: 905-562-5481. Email: IMremraf@aol.com. Open: July-October, Monday-Saturday 8 am to 7 pm, Sundays and Holidays 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: cash and debit cards. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Their website has directions to the farm, a picking schedule, which includes variety and approximate ripening time, pricing and FAQ's. The quality and quantity of our fruit is largely effected by weather conditions, so please check back often to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. In 2019, Cherries are $2.50 per pound, with a minimum purchase of $5 per person, age 4 and up. The reason for the minimum purchase is so that guests do not go into the orchard just to eatCherries are our first crop, and are usually available for 2-3 weeks in July only. We have a few sour cherry trees, but they get picked very quickly. Yellow plums, peaches and apricots usually start in late July. (UPDATED: July 11, 2019, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on March 27, 2010: " Restrooms, picnic tables, tractor rides into fields, cash only (require a minimum purchase of $3/adult and $1/child age 6-12 (under 6 no charge). Bed & Breakfast may possibly be open summer 2010. The farm is beautiful and large, easily located off the QEW. The staff was friendly and pre-picked baskets were available as well. "
• Duffin Farms - apples, cherries, pears, peaches, plums, rhubarb, and pumpkins, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises)
  1541 Rice Rd, Fonthill, ON L3B 5N5. Phone: (905) 892-5387. Email: duffin@live.com. Open: daily 8 am to 8 pm. Directions: 1541 Rice Road, Fonthill 3 driveways south of Highway 20. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. (UPDATED: June 29, 2018)
• The Little Green Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, beets, carrots, cucumbers, eggplants, flowers, table grapes (with seeds), wine grapes, onions, pears, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, U-pick and already picked, farm market, farm animals
  4586 Tufford Rd, Beamsville, ON L0R1B1. Phone: (905) 928-5903. Email: thelittlegreenfarmniagara@gmail.com. Open: Typical season is from early May to late October; in season, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Call or text for crop availability 905 928 5903. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certificationPick your Own Garlic in July. Homemade preserves and baked goods. Etransfer accepted. (UPDATED: October 29, 2021) (ADDED: August 12, 2018)
• Windwood Farms - apples, melons, pears, plums, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, picnic area
  4198 King St, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1. Phone: 905-563-7106. Email: windwood@cogeco.ca. Open: Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm July to end of October;;;Or by appointment Best to call for availability. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Usually plums ripen in July, Pears in August and September; Apples, squash and pumpkins in September, October; Our fresh pressed Apple Cider and Cranapple Cider are available in October; Jams, preserves and baked goods in season or on order

 

Pear

Pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

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

Flavor and Uses:

pears 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. pear 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 pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

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

Harvesting Season:

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