2024 Boston and surrounding counties in Massachusetts Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in Boston and surrounding counties in Massachusetts in 2024, by county

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

Essex County

• Cider Hill Farm - apples, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
  45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, MA . Phone: 978-388-5525. Open: for the season 7 days a week from early May until the day before Thanksgiving. Directions: Interstate 95 to Exit 1 in New Hampshire. Go West 2 miles Route 107 to Route 150. South 2 miles on Route 150, turn left onto Fern Ave. to barn and farm store. Or, Route 495 to exit 54. Turn right at bottom onto Rt.150. Go North through Amesbury. Turn right onto Fern Ave. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Cider Hill Farm Facebook page. . Our hours are 8am to 6pm every day until daylight savings ends, and from 8am to 5pm thereafter. Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on August 05, 2011: "I have taken my family there for about 6 years for apple picking and each year I look forward to going there. They care about the produce they grow first and foremost. The quality of their apples is always excellent and their fields are kept clean and orderly with markings so you can tell what varieties are in which rows. They also have a corn maze, chickens and goats for the kids to feed, and a tractor ride out to the fields. They have a little bakery in a barn that makes and sells different baked goods but try their cinnamon-sugar cider donuts. They are delicious! The only negative I could say is that if you don't go early for the apples you have to hike up the hill and it is steep."
  Comments from a visitor on July 19, 2011: "My boyfriend and I went to this past weekend, and found it as charming and fun and welcoming as our first time last year. The red and black raspberry picking was fantastic, the shop had many tasty treats, and the staff was wonderfully helpful. You pick on the honor system - no one is hovering to make sure you're not sampling. We even enjoyed some refreshing beverages and farm-made treats (cider donuts and strawberry-chocolate muffins - YUUMMMM!!!) in their picnic area before leaving. We intend to return very soon to get more blueberries! We love so much, we decided to come back to this website to give them a good review! ;-)"
  Comments from a visitor on August 06, 2009: "They do both PYO and harvest for others to sell in their barn/store. Peaches, berries, apples.. most of the rest is harvested and sold in the store. Excellent place. They have a great old donut maker and make the BEST fresh donuts; their apple cider is awesome; a bee hive that kids can look at (behind plexiglass with a tube that funnels to the outside. Pretty cool. In the past few years they have installed 3 windmills and solar panels. Re. organic.. I know they spray the berries pre-blossom but not after. Wish they offer more organic. They have a big chicken yard (.50 will buy your child a little cup of chicken feed) and a couple of goats. It's a beautiful place offering some plants in the spring and a great barn seasonally full of all sorts of things. "
  Comments from a visitor on August 28, 2008: "I've been taking my son here for about 10 years and every year is better. Apple picking at the base of the hill for those who can't climb or don't want to take the hayride up. They continually add more types of fresh produce they sell in their store. There are animals and play area for the kids. We've moved about 45 minutes away and still drive to Cider Hill. No one will ever beat their hot cider donuts!"
• Connors Farm - apples, blueberries, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries,
  30 Valley Rd rte35, Danvers, MA 1923. Phone: 978-777-1245. Email: info@connorsfarm.com. Open: see our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard.
  Connors Farm Facebook page. . Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. In June our annual Strawberry Festival Blueberry Picking as well as strawberry picking; Connors Corn Maze is open Saturday Sept 13 to Friday October 31 2008. Facebook page. They have vegetable seedlings, perennials, annual flowers, hanging baskets, Vine-ripened tomatoes, lettuce, squash, carrots, beets, herbs and other fresh fruits and vegetables fresh eggs, fresh pasta, jams, jellies, breads, cookies, hot coffees, Homemade Ice Cream, frozen chicken an beef patties, and fruit pies, Apple cider Doughnuts Weekend BQ's Champions BQ team will be serving up the best BQ food Large Groups please contact us ahead of time so that we can schedule a catered lunch. Pony ride will begin every Sat & Sun starting Sept 13th. pick-your-own crops: Strawberries: mid-June to mid-July, Peas: mid-June to mid-July Peaches: mid-July to mid-September Blueberries: mid-July to mid-August Raspberries: early July to frost Cut Flowers: early July to frost Apples: Labor Day to Halloween; Pumpkins: October.
  Comments from a visitor on September 05, 2011: (negative) "We wanted an end of summer farm day and, based on what is in season, looked for a farm with pick your own raspberries AND peaches. in Danvers fit the bill so we headed there. We had to pre-pay for a peach peck bag while the raspberries were to be weighed and paid for afterwrds. And I had to sign a waiver saying I had been warned there were bees at the back of the peach orchard. The girl that helped me told me both were out back behind the pond nad there would be signs. Well, there were no signs at all and only one other group picking peaches. Almost none of the peaches were ripe and if we hadn't pre-paid for the bag, we probably would have left sooner. We willed our bag with the ripest we could find/reach but there were not only bees (they KEEP bees behind the field), but, more annoying, mosquitos everywhere despite it being midday and sunny. Perhaps this is related to the pond which appeared to be completely still. My 6 year old daughter got it worst - she has more than a dozen bites"
  Comments from a visitor on September 27, 2009: (negative) "On 9/26/09, my family & I decided to go apple picking. I wanted some place different. I went on this website and chose Connor's farm in Danvers, MA. It was a beautiful day and I expected it to be busy. If you were there for the corn maize or the family toddler section then it would of been fine. We were there to pick apples. We found the apple tree's by a small sign. There were no markings to say which tree's for which apples. There was no one working out in the fields so we could ask questions. I found the orchard was neglected. Vines and weeds and such were growing over and around the very small trees, sunlight couldn't even get into the apples to ripen. I wanted to leave and get my money back for the pre-paid bag purchase. We were there so, we filled the bag with what we could gather that were worthy apples. I came home and made apple sauce with them. Not worth eating. Next time I will stick to the farms without all the stuff, and good healthy apple tree's for the picking. Brenda C."
• Green Meadows Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, beans, blueberries, flowers, herbs or spices, raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, restrooms, picnic area
  656 Asbury Street, South Hamilton, MA 1982. Phone: 978-468-2277. Email: admin@gmfarm.com. Open: in season. Directions: . We are certified organic for all . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Alternate Phone: 978-468-3720. . crops!
  Comments from a visitor on July 27, 2008: "After having been a CSA member, readers may want to know that this farm is Organic and usually has pick-your-own of blueberries, cherry tomatoes, string beans, peas, various herbs and sometimes raspberries. They also have excellent meats and eggs from their own free-ranging chickens. They have excellent programs, events, dinners and social activities which are great for adults and kids alike! Awesome farm all around."
• Ingaldsby Farm - apples, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables.
  14 Washington Street, Boxford, MA . Phone: 978-352-2813. Email: ingaldsbyfarm@comcast.net. Open: Stand open 8am to 6:30 pm daily; In season, apple picking on weekends after Labor Day 10am to 6pm. Directions: 1 mile off Route 133 in West Boxford. . Click here for a map and directions. .
  Comments from a visitor on June 11, 2009: "Hello. Just to let you know I called Ingalsby farm to get blueberry picking info and was told there was no blueberry picking.
• Leonhard & Eldred Farm - Raspberries, strawberries.
  1000 Dale Street, North Andover, MA . Phone: 978-683-1158. Open: Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm; weekends 8am to 6pm. Directions: At the end of Dale Street in North Andover, and at the end of Ipswich Road in Boxford, look for U-Pick signs on road. . Click here for a map and directions.
• Morehouse's Wheeler Brook Farm - Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, vegetables.
  57 Jewett Street, Georgetown, MA . Phone: 978-352-8289. Email: friendsofwheelerbrook@gmail.com. Open: Mid June - Halloween, daily, 9 am- 6 pm in season. Directions: Route I-95 north to Route 133 to Georgetown square, then right on North St.; 1.6 miles to right on Jewett, .6 miles to farm. 30 miles north of Boston. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Morehouse's Wheeler Brook Farm Facebook page. . Friends of Wheelerbrook Farm of Georgetown Facebook page. I-95 to exit 54B. Take Rte. 133 approx. 2 miles, turn right on to North Street for 1.6 miles. Bear right at the fork on to Jewett Street. The farm will be about .6 miles down the road on right.Site Notes & Advisories: PYO beets, lettuce, pumpkins, spinach, Christmas trees, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, beans, carrots, peas, radishes,
• Russell Orchards - apples, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, currants, strawberries and raspberries.
  143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA . Phone: 978-356-5366. Open: 7 days, 9am to 5pm during picking season; Call for picking dates. Directions: On the road to Cranes Beach-Castle Hill, 3 miles South of Ipswich Center. Off Routes 1A or 133. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Russell Orchards Facebook page. . Facebook page. 120 acres of fruit trees, berries, vegetables, fields, animal barns. The farm store with full scratch bakery and winery are housed in our soaring 1800's barn. PYO Opens in June with strawberries, then Raspberries Late June-July. Blueberries July-August. Blackberries July-August. Currants July. Apples Sept-Oct.
  Comments from a visitor on July 22, 2011: "Picked here on July 20, 2011. Place was nice. cost $3 a person to go into the fields, but it was refunded when you returned with your fruit. But the price per pound for the blueberries was $5.50 so for me that was $5 a pint. Too expensive to go back "
• Smolak Farms - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  315 S Bradford St, North Andover, MA 1845. Phone: (978) 682-6332. Email: inform@smolakfarms.com. Open: Fields are open from 9 am to 4 daily; Check our facebook page for the latest crop of the day!. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Smolak Farms Facebook page. . Please visit our website for our Strawberry Festival Information and more information about our farm. Fall Festivals begin September 12 and 13 and run every weekend through October 31; Choose and Cut Christmas trees will be available the first weekend after Thanksgiving. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
• Turkey Hill Farm - Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries., sunflowers, Christmas trees
  380 Middle Road, Haverhill, MA . Phone: 978-372-9474. Email: turkeyhillfarm@hotmail.com. Open: 8am until 6pm; Blueberries and Raspberries in July and August; Sunflowers from mid July to early September; Christmas trees for you to choose & cut in November & December. Directions: From Route 495 take Exit 52, go 1 mile East on Route 110 East to Middle Road which is on the right. This is a beautiful hilltop farm growing Blueberries & Raspberries for you to pick in July & August. We also grow . Click here for a map and directions.
  Turkey Hill Farm Facebook page. . . . Christmas trees for you to choose and cut in November & December. Facebook page. (UPDATED: June 17, 2022, JBS)

Middlesex County

• Applefield Farm - raspberries, vegetables
  Route 117, Stow, MA . Phone: (978) 897-2699. Email: applefieldfarm@yahoo.com. Open: Monday through Sunday, 10am to 6pm; Open for PYO vegetables 9am to 5pm. Directions: 3 miles west of Stow Center, farm is on Route 117. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Applefield Farm Facebook page. . Facebook page. A visitor writes on July 24, 2013: "Just thought I'd mention, as someone who seeks out organic farms (and there are so few!) that Applefield, though not certified, follow organic practices, and maybe this could be noted on the site. It's nice to know when a farm is raising fruits & veggies naturally, without chemicals. Thanks! Debra"
• Autumn Hills Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  495 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA 1450. Phone: 978-448-8388. Email: info@autumnhillsorchard.com. Open: September through October; Weekends and holidays from 10am to 5pm; Weekdays by appointment; Call or email ahead for appointment. Directions: From Groton Center on Route 119. Heading north take Hollis street \(right turn out of Groton Center just after Town Hall\) about 3.5 miles. \(Hollis changes name to Chicopee Row at the Cemetery, but there\'s no street sign.\) Our driveway is on the left after Wilson Way. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Autumn Hills Orchard Facebook page. . . From Groton Center on Route 119. Heading north take Hollis street (right turn out of Groton Center just after Town Hall) about 3.5 miles. (Hollis changes name to Chicopee Row at the Cemetery, but there's no street sign.) Our driveway is on the left after Wilson Way. We use integrated pest management practices.
• Kimball Fruit Farm - apples, strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins
  184 Hollis Street, Pepperell, MA . Phone: 978-433-9751. Open: Daily 9am to 7pm. Directions: Exit 5 West off Route 3, North to Route 111 into Pepperell, take right at yellow blinking light, farm is 3 miles on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Containers provided. Picking Mac, Gala, Honeycrisp, Spencer, Cortland, Swiss Gormet, Brock, Jonagold, Blushing Golden, Red Delicious, Cameo, Fuji, Shamrock, and Golden Delicious (UPDATED: June 13, 2021, JBS)
• McLoon Farms - ORGANIC - ORGANIC, Raspberries, strawberries, vegetables.
  Corner of Route 113 & Thorndike, Dunstable, MA . Phone: 978-649-3656. Open: weekdays from 10am until dusk. Directions: From Route 3 take Exit 35. Route 113 West towards Pepperell, one quarter mile on right, look for large old barn. . Click here for a map and directions. . Fresh organic produce and crafts also. Breads and Pies
• Meadow Mist Farm - asparagus, beans, beets, blueberries, carrots, eggplant, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, peas, peppers, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, black), summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
  142 Marrett Rd, Lexington, MA 2421. Phone: 781-354-5037. Email: laurenyaffee@gmail.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From 95\(128\) : If you are coming from route 95 \(128\), the exit for route 2A is one exit north of the route 2 exit. Go east on route 2A \(Marrett Road\) until you reach a traffic light at the Waltham Street intersection. There are two gas stations at this intersection. Continue straight through this intersection and stay on 2A east. Bacon Street is your second right after this intersection. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Meadow Mist Farm Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From 95/(128) : If you are coming from route 95 (128), the exit for route 2A is one exit north of the route 2 exit. Go east on route 2A (Marrett Road) until you reach a traffic light at the Waltham Street intersection. There are two gas stations at this intersection. Continue straight through this intersection and stay on 2A east. Bacon Street is your second right after this intersection. Strawberries June Blueberries July Raspberries August-October Concord Grapes, Some Pumpkins, Corn Stocks September- October.
• Silferleaf Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, raspberries (Autumn, black),
  460 Strawberry Hill Rd, Concord, MA 1742. Phone: 978-369-3624. Email: silferleaf@gmail.com. Open: Pick you own season is September 1 to October 21 daily 10 am to 6; During our season, call first to make sure we are open. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Silferleaf Farm . Organic Raspberries, September 1 to October 21. We are certified organic for all crops! In 2020 PYO certified organic red raspberries were $9.95/lb, organic raspberry jam ($8) and organic sweet vinegar infusion ($14), all made on the premises. The 2020 PYO Raspberry harvest ended Friday, October 9.
  Comments from a visitor on August 27, 2010: "Lot's of fun for both adults and kids - tons of raspberries. The people who work there are very nice. They also sell raspberry jam, syrup, etc., "
• Sunshine Farm - Apples, Raspberries, strawberries.
  41 Kendall Avenue, Sherborn, MA . Phone: 508- 655-5022. Open: Raspberries on weekends in September, 10am to 4pm; Call ahead for information in June for strawberries. Directions: Off Speen Street, Natick, 3 miles South. Exit 13 off Mass Pike, 2. 5 miles South of Route 9, Natick. Take Speen Street to end, right onto Kendall Ave. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Sunshine Farm Facebook page. Call ahead for pumpkins. Containers provided, children under 10 must be accompanied by adults. Shortcake and ice cream available at our Dairy Bar. Fall raspberries only. Our season kicks off each year in May with our greenhouse bedding plants and Mother's Day baskets. Strawberries follow in June with "pick your own" for the family. Sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches and all your salad greens come in July, followed by U-pick raspberries in Aug-Sept. The fall is ripe with pumpkins, squash, mums and corn stalks. Facebook page.
• Wright-Locke Farm - Certified Organic, raspberries (Autumn, red),
  78 Ridge Street, Winchester, MA 1890. Phone: 781-721-7128. Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 9 am to noon; Friday, Saturday, Sunday, from 1 pm to 4 pm; Monday, CLOSED. Directions: From Winchester center, take High Street to Lockeland Road to the intersection with Ridge Street. Near West Side fire station and Saint Eulalia\'s church. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Wright-Locke Farm Facebook page. . From Winchester center, take High Street to Lockeland Road to the intersection with Ridge Street. Near West Side fire station and Saint Eulalia's church. Our Pick Your Own Raspberries typically opens in late August, and continues through September and much of October; daily from 9 am to noon. We are certified organic for all crops! Facebook page.

Norfolk County

• The Big Apple - raspberries, blueberries, apples, hayrides
  207 Arnold St, Wrentham, MA . Phone: 508-384-3055. Email: info@cnbrown.com. Open: See this page for hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash & Checks only.
  The Big Apple Facebook page. . September weekends to mid October for PYO apples. See this page for a map and directions. Farm is a family favorite offering good, old fashioned fun. All ages enjoy our viewing platform where you can watch our Apple Grader sort the apples and children delight in finding our hidden train. Peek at our bakery kitchen and donut machine through our viewingCaramel Apples window. Enjoy a cup of delicious cider while taking in the autumn views. Fall weekends offer Hayrides and the Pumpkin House. See an actual working American farm at its best. We offer the freshest, hand-picked produce grown & handled with care. Our selection varies as we only pick when ripe. In season, we have 26 varieties of apples, 28 types of vegetables, and Pick Your Own blueberries, raspberries, apples, & hops. Also available is our own homemade cucumber pickles in barrels, vegetable plants, decorative sunflowers, and Christmas trees & greens. Our bakery offers delicious goodies including our homemade donuts, hand dipped candy & caramel apples, and many flavors of pies available through December 23 (Easter orders taken by phone). We also have a vast assortment of jams, sauces, and syrups. Choose from our selection of old fashioned candies and fudge. Facebook page.
  Comments from a visitor on September 11, 2011:"They have a very nice store with home made jellies, fresh vegetables, cider donuts, fresh cider, fudge/candy and homemade pies. They also have an ice cream. shop, and a model train that runs around the farm store above your head. In the fall, they operate hay rides. They are open 7 days/week until 12/24. "
  Comments from a visitor on September 16, 2010: "My family and I visited farm in Wrentham MA this past weekend to pick apples. While there were a lot of people there it did not seem crowded at all. The farm stand had plenty of pre picked produce and baked goods. Also there were great deals on pre picked bags of "2nds". Three varieties of apples were available for pick your own in the orchard. The staff were very helpful and friendly. We will definitely be going back next year."

 

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or  a late summer and Fall crop. In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - 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. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, 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 raspberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
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.

Tips on how to pick raspberries

1. Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

   Raspberries Nutritional Data
   (fresh)

   Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
   Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)
   Carbohydrates	11.94 g
   Sugars	4.42 g
   Dietary fiber	6.5 g
   Fat	0.65 g
   Protein	1.2 g
   Vitamins
   Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
   Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
   Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
   Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
   Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
   Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
   Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
   Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
   Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
   Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg
   Minerals
   Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
   Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
   Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
   Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
   Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
   Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
   Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg
   Other constituents
   Water	85.8 g
   Units μg = micrograms � mg = milligrams IU = International units
   Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

   
   
2. A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
3. Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
4. I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
5. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
7. Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
8. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
3. Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
4. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
5. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) raspberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
6. Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
7. See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

1. Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
   raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
2. And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
3. You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
4. See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

 

Raspberry Facts

• Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
• The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
• 11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
• Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
• Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
• Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
• In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
• Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
• 60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
  Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
• The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
• Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
• U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to go to a raspberry festival? See this page for a list!

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