Find a local pick your own farm here!

Plum U-Pick Orchards in Far Northwest Oregon in 2024, by county

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

Washington County

  • Bays Farms - apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears, kiwis, and Christmas trees
    14550 NW Bays Drive, Banks, OR 97106. Phone: 503-324-0261. Email: baysfarms@yahoo.com. Open: Mid July - December 23rd. Directions: Go to the north end of Banks. From the Shell gas station, go due west on Cedar Canyon Road for 12 mile. Follow the signs to our farm; located at the north end of Banks, go west on Cedar Canyon Rd. 12 mile; at the base of first hill drive straight up a gravel road for another 12 mile. Many varieties of peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, kiwis, and . Click here for a map and directions. . Go to the north end of Banks. From the Shell gas station, go due west on Cedar Canyon Road for 1/2 mile. Follow the signs to our farm; located at the north end of Banks, go west on Cedar Canyon Rd. 1/2 mile; at the base of first hill drive straight up a gravel road for another 1/2 mile. Many varieties of peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, kiwis, and Christmas trees, when in season. Peaches: Suncrest, Veterans & many more. Nectarines: Harko, Fantasia & more. Plums: Shiro. Apples (Saturdays only mid Sept-Oct): Galas, Jonagolds & others.Call for availability of picked or u-pick fruit. Fruit trees can be picked from the ground. (ADDED: July 12, 2009, JBS)
  • Love Farm Organics - No pesticides are used, blackberries, blueberries, marionberries, plums, raspberries (Spring, black), Other fruit or veg,
    46125 Nw Hillside Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116. Phone: 503-515-9939. Email: lovefarmorganics@gmail.com. Open: We allow u - pick on Saturday and Sunday by appointment ONLY; We generally have berries late June through August; Please call to set up a time. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Love Farm Organics Facebook page. . We do not use pesticides on the crops. We primarily grow for our 150 member CSA program. We are not a typical U-pick operation. We have no restrooms or facilities available. We are a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. We provide direct access to organically grown, seasonal, farm-fresh produce allowing Portland metro-area residents a connection with their food supply and farmer. Our goal is to grow delicious, high-quality, healthy foods utilizing the sustainable principles of organic agriculture. Mountainside Lavender Farm - Lavender7805 SW Hillsboro Hwy, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Phone: 503-936-6744. carlson.family@verizon.net. 7 days/week 10-6. Fresh lavender, 13 varieties. U-pick & ready-picked. Dried bouquets, loose buds, plants, and essential oil distilled at our farm. Many other farm-made lavender products for sale. Second annual Lavender Festival to be held July 9-10. Usually available: June 1 - July 31.
  • Sherwood Orchards - apples, cherries, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm
    23995 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR 97140. Phone: 503-625-7705. Email: mail@sherwoodorchards.com. Open: Saturday July 11 2009 From 10 am to 4 pm; We will be hosting a distillation workshop for American College of Healthcare Sciences on July 18 preregistration required; If additional upick days are scheduled, they will be listed at the website. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers.
    Sherwood Orchards Facebook page. . Check our website for days/hours. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. U-pick ONLY. Bring your own containers, some containers supplied. The season typically begins in early July with Sweet cherries and continues with Pie Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Prunes, Apples, Pears, Grapes, Quince, and Persimmons through October or as long as we have fruit left. Honey is also available during our season. We have no picked fruit available. We do not ship any fruit. For a detailed list of our fruit varieties and prices, as well as the sizes of honey available, please check our prducts. We are a 26-acre U-pick fruit orchard located in Sherwood, Oregon. With approximately 2000 fruit trees in total, our orchard offers many unique varieties. A fruit orchard for over 150 years, this orchard is a landmark in the Sherwood area under its former name Oliphant Orchards, and current name. PLEASE GO TO WEEKLY UPDATES FOR CURRENT CROP INFORMATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION. (formerly Oliphant Orchards) Sherwood Lavender Farm - Uses natural growing practices, lavender, snacks and refreshment stand, weddings and wedding partiesFollow Signs Up Chapman Road From 99w, Sherwood, OR 97140. Phone: 503-625-4051. sherwoodlavender@gmail.com. Saturday July 11 2009 From 10 am to 4 pm; We will be hosting a distillation workshop for American College of Healthcare Sciences on July 18 (preregistration required); If additional upick days are scheduled, they will be listed at the website. Head South on 99W past the Sherwood YMCA towards Newberg. Chapman Road is the first on right. Follow the signs to the farm, 1.5 miles up Chapman Road from 99W. From I5 take the Sherwood Tualitin exit, and follow signs to Sherwood, then take left (South) on 99W towards Newberg. Chapman Road is on your right after the Sherwood Sunset/Elwert YMCA intersection. Saturdays in July - see the website for details. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only. Sherwood Lavender Farm is only open on specified days to the public. Please check the website for details. Smith Berry Barn - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, gooseberries, loganberries, marionberries, other berries, peppers, raspberries, tayberries, tomatoes, prepicked produce, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro, OR 97007. Phone: 503-628-2172. 10 miles SW of Washington Square in Scholls. Click here for a map and directionsPicking updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Seasonal hours vary, please check our website for current information. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Additionally we grow numerous varieties of squash and over 25 varieties of apples that are ready picked. At right is a TYPICAL (that word is emphasized for a reason) harvest schedule - CALL before you go!!!!) (UPDATED: July 11, 2018, JBS)
    Comments from a visitor on July 10, 2012: "AMAZING! Cannot say enough good things about this farm. The berries were plentiful and they had more than one variety for each type of berry. They are no spray. The Farmer and workers are super friendly and helpful. They have a really cute cafe and gift shop as well as a picnic area. Today we picked raspberries and they were huge and delicious. We plan on going back this week for blueberries. "
    Comments from a visitor on July 18, 2010: "We visited the Smith Berry Barn not once but TWICE already this season. First for strawberries - which were wonderful, sweet and juicy and then again for raspberries. I made jam out of both. The selection of raspberries was really nice - lots of big berries that were delicious! They have quite a few different berries from strawberries to tayberries. We plan to go back today to get blackberries. The farm was clean, buckets are provided and they accept debit cards. There were some chickens that we looked at and some really cute little goats too. Gift shop was well stocked and they have FRESH BERRY MILKSHAKES!!! Really yummy. Lots of plants available to purchase. Overall it was wonderful and this is now my go to farm for berries." Starr Farm / Starr Boys Garden Center - blueberries8340 SW River Road, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Phone: 503-642-2024. StarrFarm1@gmail.com. 7AM-7PM Tuesdays-Sundays. CLOSED MONDAYS. 0.9 mile north of Farmington Road on SW River Road near Hillsboro, OR. Since 1969 the Starr Farm, owned and operated by Charles and Kathy Starr, has provided the public with hands-on experience in selecting their own fresh produce. We will open on July 1 for pie cherries & blueberries. We have seven varieties of blueberries, early to late. Customers may U-Pick in our containers, pay the posted price & put check or cash in the cash box, then transfer produce into your own containers. 2019 Prices: Blueberries: 1 gal - $9, 2 gal-$17, 5 gal-$40; Marionberries: 1 gal - $9 & 2 gal - $17; Zucchini: 2/$1 or 7/$3. Buckets at the green barn to use for picking. BRING YOUR OWN CONTAINERS to take berries home, (UPDATED: July 03, 2019, JBS)

 

Plum Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Plums typically peak during July for Sugar Plums; August for Blue, Yellow and Red Plums. In order to produce good local plums, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts.  If you are looking for a plum festival, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

  1. Always call before you go to the farm - Plums are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
  2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
  3. Some growers furnish picking containers designed for plums, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
    If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Plums more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
  4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
  5. You might want to ask whether the plums are! There are two major types of plums: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone plums have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most plum varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

Tips on How to Pick PlumsDamson plums

A plum is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a plum gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the plum firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the plum into the basket, but set it in gently!

Typical 2019 Orchard Plum Pricing:

  • Average price is $2.49 /lb.

Picking Tips:

How to tell if the plums are ripe!

  • Attached to the tree: Plums are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Plums will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
  • Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a plum is. Different plum varieties have differing colors, darker is usually better in any variety. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red or even blue or purple (or a combination).
  • Softness: unless you like your plums very firm, pick your plums with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Plums at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Plums won't ripen very much after picking!
  • Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!
  • Larger plums are riper.
  • Sugar plums grow in clusters, so carefully select the plum you want out of the cluster.
  • Place them gently in a shallow wide container, no more than 8-inches deep, to avoid crushing the fruit.

 

Marks on the Plums: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the plum. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the plums if the plums were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the plum. There's nothing wrong with these plums. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free plums, and it's better not to have the pesticides!Plums

When you get home

  1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
  2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
  3. Even under ideal conditions plums will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase

Make preserves, can or freeze!

Easy directions, step by step, with photos

Plum dessert recipes

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

  • About 2 medium plums = 1/2 cup sliced plums.
  • About 4 medium plums = 1 /2cup pureed plum.
  • About 3 medium plums = 1 /2 pound of plums

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

  • 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh plums yields 1 quart canned
  • 1 lb of fresh plums typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced plums or 2 cups or puree.
  • It takes about 10 plums to fill one quart jar of canned plums.
  • An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh plums are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
  • An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
  • 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

 

Plums-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

Plum pit tips

It's best to remove plum pits before you cook the plums. Cherry, plum, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, plum and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

Nutritional Information

    • plums are virtually fat free. A medium size plum contains less than one gram of fat.
    • plums are naturally sodium free.
    • plums have no cholesterol.
    • plums are a low calorie snack. A medium size plum contains only 40 calories.
    • plums contain vitamin A which helps us see in dim light.
    • plums are considered a good source of fiber. The skin of a plum provides both roughage and fiber.

Temporary Storage Tips

  • Ripe plums have a creamy or golden undertone and "plumy-sweet" fragrance.
  • Plums should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
  • Putting plums in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
  • For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
  • Store at 33�F to 40�F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

Far Northwest Oregon Plum U-Pick Orchards in !

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Plum U-Pick Orchards in Far Northwest Oregon in 2024, by county

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

Washington County

  • Bays Farms - apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, pears, kiwis, and Christmas trees
    14550 NW Bays Drive, Banks, OR 97106. Phone: 503-324-0261. Email: baysfarms@yahoo.com. Open: Mid July - December 23rd. Directions: Go to the north end of Banks. From the Shell gas station, go due west on Cedar Canyon Road for 12 mile. Follow the signs to our farm; located at the north end of Banks, go west on Cedar Canyon Rd. 12 mile; at the base of first hill drive straight up a gravel road for another 12 mile. Many varieties of peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, kiwis, and . Click here for a map and directions. . Go to the north end of Banks. From the Shell gas station, go due west on Cedar Canyon Road for 1/2 mile. Follow the signs to our farm; located at the north end of Banks, go west on Cedar Canyon Rd. 1/2 mile; at the base of first hill drive straight up a gravel road for another 1/2 mile. Many varieties of peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears, kiwis, and Christmas trees, when in season. Peaches: Suncrest, Veterans & many more. Nectarines: Harko, Fantasia & more. Plums: Shiro. Apples (Saturdays only mid Sept-Oct): Galas, Jonagolds & others.Call for availability of picked or u-pick fruit. Fruit trees can be picked from the ground. (ADDED: July 12, 2009, JBS)
  • Love Farm Organics - No pesticides are used, blackberries, blueberries, marionberries, plums, raspberries (Spring, black), Other fruit or veg,
    46125 Nw Hillside Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116. Phone: 503-515-9939. Email: lovefarmorganics@gmail.com. Open: We allow u - pick on Saturday and Sunday by appointment ONLY; We generally have berries late June through August; Please call to set up a time. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Love Farm Organics Facebook page. . We do not use pesticides on the crops. We primarily grow for our 150 member CSA program. We are not a typical U-pick operation. We have no restrooms or facilities available. We are a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. We provide direct access to organically grown, seasonal, farm-fresh produce allowing Portland metro-area residents a connection with their food supply and farmer. Our goal is to grow delicious, high-quality, healthy foods utilizing the sustainable principles of organic agriculture. Mountainside Lavender Farm - Lavender7805 SW Hillsboro Hwy, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Phone: 503-936-6744. carlson.family@verizon.net. 7 days/week 10-6. Fresh lavender, 13 varieties. U-pick & ready-picked. Dried bouquets, loose buds, plants, and essential oil distilled at our farm. Many other farm-made lavender products for sale. Second annual Lavender Festival to be held July 9-10. Usually available: June 1 - July 31.
  • Sherwood Orchards - apples, cherries, grapes, pears, plums, peaches, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm
    23995 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood, OR 97140. Phone: 503-625-7705. Email: mail@sherwoodorchards.com. Open: Saturday July 11 2009 From 10 am to 4 pm; We will be hosting a distillation workshop for American College of Healthcare Sciences on July 18 preregistration required; If additional upick days are scheduled, they will be listed at the website. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers.
    Sherwood Orchards Facebook page. . Check our website for days/hours. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. U-pick ONLY. Bring your own containers, some containers supplied. The season typically begins in early July with Sweet cherries and continues with Pie Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Prunes, Apples, Pears, Grapes, Quince, and Persimmons through October or as long as we have fruit left. Honey is also available during our season. We have no picked fruit available. We do not ship any fruit. For a detailed list of our fruit varieties and prices, as well as the sizes of honey available, please check our prducts. We are a 26-acre U-pick fruit orchard located in Sherwood, Oregon. With approximately 2000 fruit trees in total, our orchard offers many unique varieties. A fruit orchard for over 150 years, this orchard is a landmark in the Sherwood area under its former name Oliphant Orchards, and current name. PLEASE GO TO WEEKLY UPDATES FOR CURRENT CROP INFORMATION AND HOURS OF OPERATION. (formerly Oliphant Orchards) Sherwood Lavender Farm - Uses natural growing practices, lavender, snacks and refreshment stand, weddings and wedding partiesFollow Signs Up Chapman Road From 99w, Sherwood, OR 97140. Phone: 503-625-4051. sherwoodlavender@gmail.com. Saturday July 11 2009 From 10 am to 4 pm; We will be hosting a distillation workshop for American College of Healthcare Sciences on July 18 (preregistration required); If additional upick days are scheduled, they will be listed at the website. Head South on 99W past the Sherwood YMCA towards Newberg. Chapman Road is the first on right. Follow the signs to the farm, 1.5 miles up Chapman Road from 99W. From I5 take the Sherwood Tualitin exit, and follow signs to Sherwood, then take left (South) on 99W towards Newberg. Chapman Road is on your right after the Sherwood Sunset/Elwert YMCA intersection. Saturdays in July - see the website for details. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only. Sherwood Lavender Farm is only open on specified days to the public. Please check the website for details. Smith Berry Barn - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, gooseberries, loganberries, marionberries, other berries, peppers, raspberries, tayberries, tomatoes, prepicked produce, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro, OR 97007. Phone: 503-628-2172. 10 miles SW of Washington Square in Scholls. Click here for a map and directionsPicking updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Seasonal hours vary, please check our website for current information. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Additionally we grow numerous varieties of squash and over 25 varieties of apples that are ready picked. At right is a TYPICAL (that word is emphasized for a reason) harvest schedule - CALL before you go!!!!) (UPDATED: July 11, 2018, JBS)
    Comments from a visitor on July 10, 2012: "AMAZING! Cannot say enough good things about this farm. The berries were plentiful and they had more than one variety for each type of berry. They are no spray. The Farmer and workers are super friendly and helpful. They have a really cute cafe and gift shop as well as a picnic area. Today we picked raspberries and they were huge and delicious. We plan on going back this week for blueberries. "
    Comments from a visitor on July 18, 2010: "We visited the Smith Berry Barn not once but TWICE already this season. First for strawberries - which were wonderful, sweet and juicy and then again for raspberries. I made jam out of both. The selection of raspberries was really nice - lots of big berries that were delicious! They have quite a few different berries from strawberries to tayberries. We plan to go back today to get blackberries. The farm was clean, buckets are provided and they accept debit cards. There were some chickens that we looked at and some really cute little goats too. Gift shop was well stocked and they have FRESH BERRY MILKSHAKES!!! Really yummy. Lots of plants available to purchase. Overall it was wonderful and this is now my go to farm for berries." Starr Farm / Starr Boys Garden Center - blueberries8340 SW River Road, Hillsboro, OR 97123. Phone: 503-642-2024. StarrFarm1@gmail.com. 7AM-7PM Tuesdays-Sundays. CLOSED MONDAYS. 0.9 mile north of Farmington Road on SW River Road near Hillsboro, OR. Since 1969 the Starr Farm, owned and operated by Charles and Kathy Starr, has provided the public with hands-on experience in selecting their own fresh produce. We will open on July 1 for pie cherries & blueberries. We have seven varieties of blueberries, early to late. Customers may U-Pick in our containers, pay the posted price & put check or cash in the cash box, then transfer produce into your own containers. 2019 Prices: Blueberries: 1 gal - $9, 2 gal-$17, 5 gal-$40; Marionberries: 1 gal - $9 & 2 gal - $17; Zucchini: 2/$1 or 7/$3. Buckets at the green barn to use for picking. BRING YOUR OWN CONTAINERS to take berries home, (UPDATED: July 03, 2019, JBS)

 

Plum Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Plums typically peak during July for Sugar Plums; August for Blue, Yellow and Red Plums. In order to produce good local plums, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts.  If you are looking for a plum festival, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

  1. Always call before you go to the farm - Plums are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
  2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
  3. Some growers furnish picking containers designed for plums, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
    If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Plums more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
  4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
  5. You might want to ask whether the plums are! There are two major types of plums: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone plums have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most plum varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

Tips on How to Pick PlumsDamson plums

A plum is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a plum gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the plum firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the plum into the basket, but set it in gently!

Typical 2019 Orchard Plum Pricing:

  • Average price is $2.49 /lb.

Picking Tips:

How to tell if the plums are ripe!

  • Attached to the tree: Plums are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Plums will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
  • Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a plum is. Different plum varieties have differing colors, darker is usually better in any variety. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red or even blue or purple (or a combination).
  • Softness: unless you like your plums very firm, pick your plums with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Plums at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Plums won't ripen very much after picking!
  • Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!
  • Larger plums are riper.
  • Sugar plums grow in clusters, so carefully select the plum you want out of the cluster.
  • Place them gently in a shallow wide container, no more than 8-inches deep, to avoid crushing the fruit.

 

Marks on the Plums: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the plum. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the plums if the plums were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the plum. There's nothing wrong with these plums. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free plums, and it's better not to have the pesticides!Plums

When you get home

  1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
  2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
  3. Even under ideal conditions plums will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase

Make preserves, can or freeze!

Easy directions, step by step, with photos

Plum dessert recipes

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

  • About 2 medium plums = 1/2 cup sliced plums.
  • About 4 medium plums = 1 /2cup pureed plum.
  • About 3 medium plums = 1 /2 pound of plums

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

  • 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh plums yields 1 quart canned
  • 1 lb of fresh plums typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced plums or 2 cups or puree.
  • It takes about 10 plums to fill one quart jar of canned plums.
  • An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh plums are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
  • An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
  • 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

 

Plums-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

Plum pit tips

It's best to remove plum pits before you cook the plums. Cherry, plum, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, plum and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

Nutritional Information

    • plums are virtually fat free. A medium size plum contains less than one gram of fat.
    • plums are naturally sodium free.
    • plums have no cholesterol.
    • plums are a low calorie snack. A medium size plum contains only 40 calories.
    • plums contain vitamin A which helps us see in dim light.
    • plums are considered a good source of fiber. The skin of a plum provides both roughage and fiber.

Temporary Storage Tips

  • Ripe plums have a creamy or golden undertone and "plumy-sweet" fragrance.
  • Plums should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
  • Putting plums in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
  • For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
  • Store at 33�F to 40�F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)