2024 San Antonio area of Texas Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in San Antonio area of Texas 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.

Bandera County

• Love Creek Orchards - apples, blackberries, figs, peaches, persimmons, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  14024 State highway 16 North, Medina, TX 78055. Phone: 830-529-2202. Email: hutzler@lovecreekorchards.com. Open: Monday through Saturday from 9:30 TO 4:30 and Sunday 10:30 to 4:30 during picking season. Directions: 13 miles north of Bandera Texas on highway 16 North. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Love Creek Orchards Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 210-215-1995. Fax: 830-589-2880. . Pick your own Apples begin in July through September Pick your own Blackberries begin in June through July Pick your own Figs begin in August through September; Persimmons Late Sept, Oct; Pick Your own Peaches begin in June Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch is open to the public every Saturday, Sunday and Monday in October and open for school tours on every Thursday and Friday in October. opens seasonally for pick your own fruit. Usually we begin in April and May with fresh blackberries. July we offer fresh tree-ripened apples and in August we offer some of the sweetest figs in Texas. We also offer a great selection of persimmons in October. Check the web site for picking dates and times. As with all fresh fruit, we are dependent on Mother Nature. The best time to pick is when fruit is at their peak of ripeness. When you come to pick, we provide the containers for picking. Prices are generally based on current market prices at the time of picking. We have a picnic area near the orchard for you to enjoy a picnic lunch if you want to bring one or visit the Apple Store just up the road from the orchard and eat at the Patio Cafe The Patio cafe was listed among the Top 40 best Small Town Restaurants in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine. No Entrance or Parking Fees! Pay for what you Pick!

Medina County

• Love Creek Orchards - Apples, Blackberries, Grapes, Peaches, Seasonal Vegetables, Figs, Persimmons
  13558 Hwy 16 N, Bandera, TX . Phone: 830-589-2588. Email: adamsapples@lovecreekorchards.com. Open: pick your own blackberries anticipated to be mid to late May. Directions: Highway 16 between Bandera and Kerrville. . Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 800-449-0882. . Please call before coming. opens seasonally for pick your own fruit. Usually we begin in April and May with fresh blackberries. July we offer fresh tree-ripened apples and in August we offer some of the sweetest figs in Texas. We also offer a great selection of persimmons in September and October. Check the web site during for picking dates and times. As with all fresh fruit, we are dependent on Mother Nature. The best time to pick is when fruit is at their peak of ripeness. We will post picking times on the web site or you can call our orchard.

 

Persimmon Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

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

Flavor and Uses:

Persimmons 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. Persimmon 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 Persimmon pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

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

Harvesting Season:

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