2024 Marion County, Florida Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Marion County, Florida in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards for persimmons that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have persimmons 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.

Marion County

• Plantland Nursery & Orchards - grapes, peaches, persimmons, pears, greens (mustard, collards, turnips), peas (southern)-
  5256 W Anthony Rd, Ocala, FL . Phone: (352) 497-6271. Email: plantlandnurseryorchards@gmail.com. Open: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: (352) 622-7179. . Open Usually available in November to February (greens), June to July (peas), July to August (grapes and pears), September to October (persimmons).Peaches started in 2009. Naturally grown Persimmons (Fuyu, Saijo and Tanenashi) and Muscadine grapes (Bronze and black)
• Wagon Blueberry and Chestnut Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, chestnuts, persimmons, porta-potties are available
  14201 Sw 16th Place, Ocala, FL 34481. Phone: 352 489 1441. Email: joansblueberries@aol.com. Open: Friday and Saturday Beginning early June; From 7 am to 12 Noon during June. Directions: From I-75 Take highway 40 West of Ocala to SW 140th Avenue, turn right \(North\) at the blinker light, about 1 mile to SW 16th Place, turn left to the farm, about 500 feet. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Wagon Blueberry and Chestnut Farm . From I-75 Take highway 40 West of Ocala to SW 140th Avenue, turn right (North) at the blinker light, about 1 mile to SW 16th Place, turn left to the farm, about 500 feet. Blueberries in June; Persimmons harvested in mid-September thru October; Chestnuts in mid-October thru November; Persimmons and Chestnuts are not u-pick; They are harvested to your order. We do not use pesticides on the crops. $2.50 per lb. Picking buckets available, bring shallow containers to take your bounty home. Wear shoes, no open sandals or flip flops. Bring water and bug spray, a hat. Not recommended for small children. The Wagon Farm uses natural growing practices - we do not spray.
  Comments from a visitor on June 08, 2010: "Wonderful! Mature, plump organic blueberries at only $2.99/lb. Joan, the owner, is a marvelous and sweet lady who will guide you to the most prosperous part of her organic farm. Organic blueberries may very well be the perfect food, and this small farm is a real pleasure. Drove two hours to get there, but worth every mile. As of this early June, there was plenty of blueberries to be had. Wife and I picked 30 lbs. within two hours. Nice day!"

 

Persimmons

Persimmon Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

 

Persimmons, are a VERY tart and rare fruit.   More popular in Asia, the Asian varieties have been introduced to North America and become popular. Native North American Fuyu persimmons (shown at top right) are flattened in shape.

 

The Asia hachiya persimmons are more elongated and a bit sweeter.  All persimmons are exceedingly tart until the are dead-ripe and slight mushy in texture.

Uses:

Persimmons are typically made into jelly, but also used for their flavor in baked goods such as muffins, tarts and sauces. Persimmon berries also freeze well.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jelly,  see these pages:

• How to make Persimmon jelly

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of Persimmon 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 Persimmons from late July to early August.

Persimmons are an unusual fruit because they actually DO ripen after being harvested. In fact, it is BEST to pick the persimmons while they are hard, and allow them to ripen and soften in a cool basement. This avoid bug and bird danage.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe Persimmons are soft, almost mushy, and have a bright orange color.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest Persimmons, simply hold the branch beneath and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch them if they fall.

Handling and Storage:

After harvesting, sort through the fruit and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store them in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate them when they become ripe and soft; consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing them for longer-term storage.

 

 

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
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• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
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