2024 Vermont Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in Vermont 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.

Addison County

• Champlain Orchards - apples, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  3597 Route 74 West, Shoreham, VT 5770. Phone: 802-897-2777. Email: bill@champlainorchards.com. Open: July thru October - Everyday from 9am to 6pm November thru June - Everyday from 10am to 4pm. Directions: On Route 74 West, 4 miles west of the village of Shoreham and 1 mile east of the historical Ticonderoga ferry. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Champlain Orchards Facebook page. . . Weekend Orchard Concerts in September and October Harvest Festival on Columbus Day Weekend Ciderfest in October. PYO apples. We also have very limited picking in our fall raspberries. In the farm market we have cider & cider donuts! As well (in season) as peaches, nectarines, pears, green gage plums and apples including: Paula Reds, Zestar!, Sansa, Silken, Gingergold, early Macs and more. stop by our farm market (open daily 9-6) for all this and more, including picking directions.
• Douglas Orchards - apples, raspberries, pumpkins.
  1050 Rt 74 W, Shoreham, VT 5770. Phone: 802-897-5043. Email: ssview@shoreham.net. Open: mid-June to mid July; September to November. Directions: Rte 74, 1 mile west of Shoreham Village. They also have applesauce, apple cider, \drops\" apples". Click here for a map and directions. apple cider donuts
• Full Belly Farm - Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries,
  686 Davis Road, Hinesburg, VT 5461. Phone: 802-453-3793. Open: May through October 31, farm stand is open for in-person shopping daily from 9am-5pm. Click here for a map and directions.
  Full Belly Farm Facebook page. . Click here for our Facebook page . Typical harvest dates: Strawberries mid June through mid July; Blueberries mid July through mid August; Raspberries July-early August. Call or check our Facebook or Instagram pages to see current updates on picking conditions . Note: Formerly known as Norris Berry Farm. (UPDATED: July 10, 2020 JBS)
• Lower Notch Berry Farm - fruit; blueberries, raspberries
  1947 Lower Notch Road, Bristol, VT 5443. Phone: 802-453-4220. Email: LowerNotchBerryFarm@gmail.com. Click here for a map and directions. . . 7days/week, weather permitting. They are trying to sell the farm, so call before you go. And if you want to buy a farm, let them know!c (UPDATED: May 3, 2015, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on July 20, 2009: "a remote PYO in a scenic hill setting. Serene, off-the-beaten-track"
• The Last Resort - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, red and black currants, raspberries, mulberries, and blueberries
  2246 Tyler Bridge Road, Monkton, VT 5443. Phone: 802-453-2847. Open: June-July. Directions: Tyler Bridge Road, Monkton. \(Certified organic strawberries, raspberries, vegetables, pumpkins, garlic, currants\) . Stop by the . Click here for a map and directions. . Call ahead to plan a picking date. Tyler Bridge Road, Monkton. (Certified organic strawberries, raspberries, vegetables, pumpkins, garlic, currants) . Stop by the farm stand open year round, or find Last Resort products at area co-ops, small groceries, restaurants, and farmers' markets. Pick-your-own red and black currants, raspberries, mulberries, and blueberries by appointment only. Also: Fresh-picked Zucchini, eggplant, chard, beet greens and baby beets, green onions, basil, fresh garlic, garlic, snap and shelling peas, gooseberries, mulberries, currants, raspberries in the cooler. Blueberries too!. Also, non-organic maple syrup always available. (UPDATED: July 20, 2020 JBS)

Caledonia County

• Sweet Seasons Farm - apples, blueberries, raspberries (red), picnic area you may bring your own food, group reservations
  2557 Spaulding Road, Saint Johnsbury, VT 5819. Phone: (802) 274-2365. Email: sweetseasonsfarmvt@gmail.com. Open: July to October 15 Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 8:00pm Closed Fridays Saturday 9:00am to 8:00pm Sunday 12:00 noon to 6:00pm. Directions: From I-93 traveling South take the Saint Johnsbury exit 1 then turn right. At signal turn left. Travel 12 mile to Spaulding Road \(Riley\'s Fish Shack is on the corner\) Turn right onto Spaulding Road. You will pass Dog Mountain on your left. Travel 3 more minutes. Look for the white Sweet Seasons Farm sign on your left at the bottom of the drive. Turn left and travel up driveway until you see the small Red Farm Store on your right. Park in designated area. Raspberries: early July to middle August Blueberries: Middle July to Late August Apples: Middle August to middle October. We are Certified naturally grown for all . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Sweet Seasons Farm Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From I-93 traveling South take the Saint Johnsbury exit 1 then turn right. At signal turn left. Travel 1/2 mile to Spaulding Road (Riley's Fish Shack is on the corner) Turn right onto Spaulding Road. You will pass Dog Mountain on your left. Travel 3 more minutes. Look for the white sign on your left at the bottom of the drive. Turn left and travel up driveway until you see the small Red Farm Store on your right. Park in designated area. Raspberries: early July to middle August Blueberries: Middle July to Late August Apples: Middle August to middle October. We are Certified naturally grown for all crops. We grow our fruit organically and are certified with CNG. We also host corporate events, wedding photography and host a fun and educational volunteer work program. If you have teens who need to stay busy this summer, call or email to schedule their slot. Hold harmless agreement and proof of medical / dental insurance is required. (ADDED: May 06, 2018)

Chittenden County

• Adam's Berry Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
  985 Bingham Brook, East Charlotte, VT 5445. Phone: (802) 578-9093. Email: adam@adamsberryfarm.com. Open: all summer We offer a berry from June through October. Directions: Located at Burlington\'s Intervale just past Gardener\'s Supply. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Starting in June the strawberries mature, followed by the blueberries and raspberries until frost. Located at Burlington's Intervale just past Gardener's Supply. Click here for a map to our farm. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Certified ORGANIC . Certified ORGANIC. Typical harvest dates are Strawberries from Early June to late June, Raspberries from Late June to late July; Blueberries from Late July to late August and Raspberries from Late August to frost. (UPDATED: July 20, 2020 JBS)
• Boutin Berry Farm - Raspberries, Blueberries
  240 Christmas Lane, Williston, VT 5495. Phone: (802) 734-8406. Email: Boutinclan@aol.com. Open: June thru August, Monday to Friday 8AM - 6PM, Saturday 8AM - 6PM, Sunday 8AM - 6PM. Directions: from RT2 in Williston Village, turn onto Oak Hill Road, take left on South Road, go 2 12 miles, take left on . Click here for a map and directions. Boutin Berry Farm . from RT2 in Williston Village, turn onto Oak Hill Road, take left on South Road, go 2 1/2 miles, take left on Christmas Lane, we are on the right. (UPDATED: June 28, 2021, JBS) A visitor writes on June 28, 2021: "Boutin Family Farm does not grow strawberries any more. "
• Isham Family Farm - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), maple syrup, Christmas trees, pumpkins, corn maze, sunflower maze, wagon rides, weddings
  3517 Oak Hill Road, Williston, VT 5495. Phone: 802 872-1525. Email: ishamfamilyfarm@yahoo.com. Open: 7 days per week for PYO berries in season and maple syrup. Directions: 3.5 miles south from the village of Williston. 1 mile north of Lake Iroquois. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Maple syryp sugaring season generally ends around the beginning of April, but our maple syrup is available year-round on our online store and on the farm. Pick-Your-Own berries: Our berry fields, established in 2003, include early and mid-summer-ripening blueberries, and summer and fall raspberries. Self-serve berry picking is avialable from dawn until dusk. Quart and pint containers are provided. Typical availability is Blueberries in early July and August; Summer Raspberries in July; Fall Raspberries in September and October. Our farm stand has our incredible fresh picked sweet corn, available in August. Freshly picked ears are easily accessible at our conveniently located, self-serve roadside stand.In the Fall, pick-Your-Own Pumpkins and a sunflower maze with two acres of pumpkins, in all shapes and sizes, are ready to be picked by eager children and their families. Pumpkins are sold according to size, not weight. We have Autum corn and sunflower mazes: Come get lost and enjoy the outdoors at in the fall. The corn and sunflower maze is generally open in late September, but feel free to call and make sure. Plus, wagon rideTractor-Drawn Hay Rides. And come December, our Christmas Tree Farm is abuzz with families who select and cut their own trees. Plan to come early in the season for the best selection. Handmade balsam wreaths are also available at the farm. The beautifully renovated 3,000 square-foot barn building is now available for community gatherings, special events, and weddings, for up to 175 people (read the Burlington Free Press article on the wedding barn). The spacious interior of the barn and beautiful landscape outside makes for a unique Vermont wedding venue. Wedding ceremonies can be held in one of the barns, outside on the stone patio, or on the west side of the farm high on a hill beside a beautiful three-acre pond and mountain views. Check out the photo spread in Vermont Bride with pictures from our barn!(UPDATED: September 23, 2018, JBS) A visitor writes on August 07, 2013: "Isham Family Farm is blueberry picking Nirvana!! Superb day of picking of monster size berries. Best of all they do not spray pesticides. "
• Morse Hillside Farm - Raspberries, maple syrup & honey
  681 Osgood Hill Road, Westford, VT 5494. Phone: 802-878-3096. Email: rmorse@morsehillsidefarm.com. Open: Pick your own Raspberries from July - August 15 call for opening times. Click here for a map and directions. . . Pick your own Raspberries from July - August 15 (call for opening times). Since 1993, the raspberry fields at have grown steadily to become a mecca for New England raspberry lovers. We have a loyal clientele of the "pick-your-own" variety that visit us weekly. We take great pride in maintaining well-groomed raspberry fields where anyone can pick.
• Paul Mazza's Fruit & Vegetable Stand - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, homegrown peaches, vegetables, pumpkins
  135 Poor Farm Road, Colchester, VT 5446. Phone: (802) 879-0102. Open: Early June-October 31. Click here for a map and directions. .
• Paul Mazza's Fruit and Vegetable Stand - blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (black), strawberries,
  182 River Rd, Essex, VT 5452. Phone: 802-879-3760. Email: paulmazzasfarmstand@gmail.com. Open: from early June until Halloween; Hours of operation change with the season; See our website for more info. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Paul Mazza's Fruit and Vegetable Stand . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates.
• Sweet Roots Farm & Market - formerly The Charlotte Berry Farm - formerly The Charlotte Berry Farm - blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Spring, black), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, birthday parties
  4702 Ethan Allen Highway, Charlotte, VT 5445. Phone: 802-425-3652. Email: market@sweetrootsvt.com. Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
  Sweet Roots Farm & Market - formerly The Charlotte Berry Farm Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Click here for their Facebook page. The Charlotte Berry Farm is a family friendly berry farm with a variety of berries including strawberries, raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries and pumpkins. Please come and visit the farm to pick-your-own berries, enjoy creemees made with farm fresh berries, enjoy the scenery and bring a camera to capture that precious photo of a child with berry juice all over his or her face! We would love to meet you, come on into our farm stand! (UPDATED: July 20, 2012, by a visitor)
  Comments from a visitor on July 20, 2012: "We stopped as we were driving through the area. We saw the sign and turned in to see a band playing and people dancing and having fun, playing games. I thought the orchard was in great condition, easily marked with the different kinds of berries. they also had delicious chocolate chip and blueberry cookies!! This is hours from our home but I would make a point to stop back again next season."

Franklin County

• Nye's Berryland - raspberries, strawberries,
  1452 Plains Road, Georgia, VT 5468. Phone: 802-524-4705. Email: joansnye@sover.net. Open: UPDATE for 2020: No strawberries in 2020, raspberries are yet to be determined; Every day 8:00am to 8:00pm. Directions: one half mile off Ethan Allen Highway \(Rt 7\) on Georgia Plain Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Nye's Berryland . one half mile off Ethan Allen Highway (Rt 7) on Georgia Plain Road. Crops are usually available in June, July.
• River Berry Farm - Certified Organic, raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, porta-potties
  191 Goose Pond Rd, Fairfax, VT 5454. Phone: (802) 849-6853. Email: riverberryfarm@comcast.net. Open: Mid June - Early July, daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: 191 Goose Pond Road, Fairfax, VT 05454. We are Certified naturally grown for all . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  River Berry Farm Facebook page. . crops. The organic strawberries are available as pick-your-own and pre-picked starting about the third week in June through the first week in July. Organic fall-bearing raspberries mid-August through September. We are certified organic for all crops! is a family owned, organic small fruit and vegetable farm operating in Fairfax, Vermont since 1992. We are Jane Sorensen, David Marchant and our children, Huck and Ada, along with our great crew. We grow 50 acres of vegetables, 3 acres of strawberries, 1-1/2 acres of raspberries, 18,000 square feet of greenhouse crops and 100 layer chickens(UPDATED: November 23, 2020)

Grand Isle County

• Allenholm Farm - Blueberries, raspberries, vegetables, pumpkins, apples
  111 South Street (but send mail to PO Box 300), South Hero, VT 5486. Phone: 802-372-5566. Email: apples@together.net. Open: Memorial Day weekend - December 24. Click here for a map and directions.
  Allenholm Farm Facebook page. . . Atwe grow about 20 varieties of apples. In the Fall we offer Pick Your Own, which is enjoyed by hundreds of families each year.facebook page
• R & J Farms - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, raspberries (black), Fresh eggs
  724 Bay Road, Alburgh, VT 5440. Phone: 802-796-3017. Email: judithtrem@yahoo.com. Open: early July through picking season, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-5pm . Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 802-324-6092. . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We do not have turkeys this year (2020) We have blueberries, raspberries, fresh eggs We plan to have tomatoes, grapes later in season We are happy to continue using organic practices for our complete operation And we produce solar energy and offset our carbon footprint. (UPDATED: July 09, 2020)

Orange County

• Ward's Berry Farm - blueberries, raspberries
  223 Miller Pond Road, Thetford Center, VT 5075. Phone: 802-333-4113. Email: joe@vermont.com. Open: last week of July, call first. Click here for a map and directions. . Usually open U-pick .

Orleans County

• Berry Creek Farm - Certified Organic, strawberries, raspberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs
  1342 Vt Route 100, Westfield, VT 5874. Phone: 802-744-2406. Email: berrycreekfarmvt@comcast.net. Open: Same farm stand hours, middle - end of June to middle of July. Directions: South end of village, 1342 Vt Route 100. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Berry Creek Farm Facebook page. . . Pick-your-own strawberries from middle-end of June to middle of July. We are certified organic for all crops!
• Breitmeyers Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, raspberries (black), rhubarb, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals
  1217 Garven Hill Road, Greensboro Bend, VT 5842. Phone: (802) 533-2610. Email: kenb@myfairpoint.net. Open: Hours and availability of crops to pick varies considerably; please call or email for current availability and hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Breitmeyers Farm Alternate Phone: (802) 533-9390. . Berry picking typically begins the middle of July and runs through September. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. . We also offer for sale homemade jams, jellies, pickles, and a few handcrafted items such as quilts and baskets. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification.(UPDATED: May 14, 2019) (ADDED: May 11, 2015)

Washington County

• Bartlett Hill The Fruit Patch - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, elderberries, herbs or spices, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Spring, black), Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market
  113 Bartlett Rd, Plainfield, VT 5667. Phone: (802) 279-7327. Email: Bartletthillfruitpatch@gmail.com. Open: typically Mid July - August, call for availability and hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Venmo, PayPal. . . All sign-in info, payments, & extra picking supplies are stationed by our purple shed/ future farm store. Entry to the patch is through the opening in the field behind. Porch, barn, & home space are closed to public. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We are a Trans & Queer owned you pick working towards being more accessible, because we desire for people of all ages, abilities, & identities to feel safe & valued picking at our farm. Bring own containers. Leave dogs home, no smoking or drinking on the farm. Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia or any other bigoted behavior won't be tolerated. We celebrate community & invest social change. Thank you for your support. Elderberries usually start in late August and go to the cedar waxwings get them. (UPDATED: July 20, 2021)
• Fruitlands Farmstand - Blueberries, raspberries
  506 Thistle Hill Road, Marshfield, VT 5658. Phone: 802-426-3889. Email: info@fruitlands.net. Open: July 1-November 1 for U Pick Sunday through Friday from 8 am to picked out time; Evenings by appointment. Click here for a map and directions. . . 1 mile above Route 2 at Marshfield Dam. . We provide pint basket and flats. We have been growing organic raspberries here at Fruitlands since the late 1970's. At present we have over 1,200' of neatly-trellised rows. We sell both PYO and custom picked. Our varieties are: Latham, Nova, Encore and Pollana. Our typical season begins in mid July and goes through August. We began growing organic blueberries here at Fruitlands in the mid 1980's. Presently we have 100 high-bush plants. We sell both PYO and custom picked. Our varieties are: Bluecrop, Patriot, Duke and Northland. Our season for blueberries is late July through mid September.
• Hartshorn Farm & Amy's Organic Flowers - blueberries, raspberries (red), strawberries,
  54 Quarry Road Route 100, Waitsfield, VT 5673. Phone: 802-279-8054. Email: davehartshorn@gmavt.net. Open: Monday through Sunday from 8am until dark; Not available during rain. Directions: From Route 89, take the Waterbury exit, take a right off the exit ramp and proceed through downtown Waterbury. Take a right at the sign for Waitsfield. Follow that road all the way until it intersects with Route 100. Take a right onto Route 100. The farm is about 12 a mile from that point on the right. Pass Small Dog Electronics on the left, and the Wilder Farm Inn. There are two farm stand buildings with red roofs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 802-922-1832. . From Route 89, take the Waterbury exit, take a right off the exit ramp and proceed through downtown Waterbury. Take a right at the sign for Waitsfield. Follow that road all the way until it intersects with Route 100. Take a right onto Route 100. The farm is about 1/2 a mile from that point on the right. Pass Small Dog Electronics on the left, and the Wilder Farm Inn. There are two farm stand buildings with red roofs. We are also vendors at the Waitsfield Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 9am-1pm. We have an organic cut flower CSA, and a produce CSA. See our website for more details.
• Random Gardens - Uses natural growing practices, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), picnic area
  177 Random Road, Calais, VT 5648. Phone: 802-371-9808. Email: steve@maplecorner.net. Open: Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00pm; during July to early September, depending on weather. Directions: Ten miles north of Montpelier on the County Road. The paved road becomes gravel in Maple Corner. Random Gardens is 1.2 miles further on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We sell Organic Raspberries - PYO: Pricing - $4/pint. (UPDATED: May 4, 2015, JBS)

 

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