2024 Western counties in Massachusetts Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

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Pear U-Pick orchards in Western counties in Massachusetts 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.

Berkshire County

Hampden County

  • Echo Hill Orchards and Winery - pyo apples, pears, pumpkins, already-picked apples, pears and pumpkins, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, school tours, haunted hayrides
    101 Wilbraham Road, Monson, MA 1057. Phone: 413-267-3303. Email: echohillorchards101@hotmail.com. Open: PYO apples begin Labor Day weekend, tractor rides on weekends; Call ahead for crop availability for PYO on weekdays. Directions: Center of Monson \(Rte.32\) West on High Street to Wilbraham Road approximately 2 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Center of Monson (Rte.32) West on High Street to Wilbraham Road approximately 2 miles. Family friendly haunted hayrides Friday and Saturday nights in October. Please call ahead for dates and times. Cider donuts in the Fall. Country gift shop and our own line of wines.

Hampshire County

  • Park Hill Orchard - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blackberries, blueberries, pears, peaches, pumpkins, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations, events at your location (call for info)
    82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA 1027. Phone: (413) 303-0335. Email: contact@parkhillorchard.com. Open: from 10 am to 5 pm for picking. Directions: Type in Park Hill Orchard to your map program. Otherwise turn on West street from Route 10 in Easthampton. Turn right on Oliver Street and Right on Park Hill Road for half a mile. We are the apple orchard you will see. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
    Park Hill Orchard Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Blueberries in July turning to peach as August comes; Apple picking starting August 15 until November;. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Art In the Orchard is a popular outdoor sculpture exhibition. The Farm stand, PYO, and Art In the Orchard all open in early to mid August.(ADDED: January 02, 2019)
  • South Hadley Farm - apples, blueberries, pears, strawberries, cucumbers, onions, pears, plums, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm
    10 Pearle Lane, South Hadley, MA 1075. Phone: 413-313-2586. Email: d_olesiuk@earthlink.net. Open: Sunday to Monday, from 8 am to dusk. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. South Hadley Farm Alternate Phone: 413-533-4197. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Welcome to, Olesiuk-Weinack Families, proudly raising fruits and vegetables for the western Massachusetts communities for three generations. We strive to offer the freshest fruits and vegetables for you and your family

 

BUL866 Growing pears in the Inland Northwest and Intermountain West

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:

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)

McSunley Stainless Steel 21QT Canner, Any Stovetop

Pressure Canners for all stovetops

Looking for canning equipment and supplies?

Water bath canner with a jar rack

Electric pressure canner

Pressure canners for gas, electric and induction stoves: Presto 23Qt or T-fal 22Qt

Canning scoop (this one is PERFECT)

Ball Blue book (most recent version)

8oz canning jars for jams

Regular canning lids

Wide mouth canning lids

 


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McSunley Stainless Steel 21QT Canner, Any Stovetop

Pressure Canners for all stovetops