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Pear U-Pick orchards in Southern Illinois in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards for pears that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, 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.
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Johnson County
Larry Trover Produce - - Krissara\'s Pride tomatoes (20 lb. U.S. #1), pears, strawberries, beans, peppers. 992 Gilead Church Road, Vienna, IL 62995. Phone: 618-658-5100. Click here for a map and directions. .
Marion County
Schwartz Farms in Centralia - apples, blueberries, peaches, pears, strawberries, watermelons, tomatoes, pumpkins 1942 Copple Road, Centralia, IL 62801. Phone: 618-532-8058. Email: applejam1@charter.net. Open: strawberries in May, peaches and blackberries in June,apples and pumpkins from September thru November. Directions: In Southern Illinois and just an easy hours drive from St. Louis, Schwartz Orchard is just east of Centralia. If you live in Mt. Vernon, Centralia, or Salem we are in your neighborhood. Fresh Produce and Beautiful Flowers. Fresh, in season apples peaches, pears, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, pumpkins and more are available at Schwartz Orchard. We offer both picked and \you\" pick fruits and berries. """. Click here for a map and directions. Schwartz Farms in Centralia Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 618-249-8546. . Also apple cider, honey, molasses & apple butter. In Southern Illinois and just an easy hours drive from St. Louis, Schwartz Orchard is just east of Centralia. If you live in Mt. Vernon, Centralia, or Salem we are in your neighborhood. Fresh Produce and Beautiful Flowers. Fresh, in season apples peaches, pears, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, pumpkins and more are available at Schwartz Orchard. We offer both picked and "you" pick fruits and berries. Schwartz Orchard Facebook page. Come see our different varieties of blooming flowers and beautiful hanging baskets. Schwartz Orchard has a complete kitchen. We offer baked goods from Strawberry Shortcake to Peach Cobbler. We don't stop there. come by and try one out. We have picnic tables for you to sit back, snack and enjoy. Place your orders for your family reunions. We will have them "hot" and waiting for you to pick up. We have apple butter, jellies, and jams with eight new "low" sugar items. Apples, strawberries, blackberries. Award winning apple cider. Bakery with apple cider donuts, pastries, strawberry shortcake and homemade cobblers.
Schwartz Farms in Mt. Vernon - blueberries, peaches, pears, strawberries, watermelons, tomatoes, pumpkins Route 37, Dix, IL . Phone: 618-266-7756. Email: applejam1@charter.net. Directions: Located 8 miles north of Mt. Click here for a map and directions. Schwartz Farms in Mt. Vernon Facebook page. . Phone: 618-532-8058. Alternate Phone: 618-249-8546. . Also apple cider, honey, molasses & apple butter. Schwartz Orchard Facebook page. In Southern Illinois and just an easy hours drive from St. Louis, Schwartz Orchard is . Vernon on route 37. If you live in Mt. Vernon, Centralia, or Salem we are in your neighborhood. Fresh Produce and Beautiful Flowers. Fresh, in season peaches, pears, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, pumpkins and more are available at Schwartz Orchard. We offer both picked and "you" pick fruits and berries. Come see our different varieties of blooming flowers and beautiful hanging baskets. Schwartz Orchard has a complete kitchen. We offer baked goods from Strawberry Shortcake to Peach Cobbler. We don't stop there. come by and try one out. We have picnic tables for you to sit back, snack and enjoy. Place your orders for your family reunions. We will have them "hot" and waiting for you to pick up. We have apple butter, jellies, and jams with eight new "low" sugar items.
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:
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.