2024 Southwestern New Hampshire Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Southwestern New Hampshire in 2024, by county

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

Cheshire County

• Alyson's Orchard - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries, prepicked produce, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
  57 Alyson\'s Lane, Walpole, NH 3608. Phone: 603-756-9800. Email: info@alysonsorchard.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Close to picturesque Walpole and easily accessible from regional centers Boston, Manchester and Hartford, Alyson\'s also boasts a private landing strip available to guests by prior arrangement. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
  Alyson's Orchard Facebook page. . . Close to picturesque Walpole and easily accessible from regional centers Boston, Manchester and Hartford, Alyson's also boasts a private landing strip available to guests by prior arrangement. In the Fall, come pick your own fruit in the orchard or visit the farm stand to enjoy our seasonal offerings, including: fresh-baked apple pies, unpasteurized apple cider, a large selection of fruit wines made from Alyson's apples and peaches, unique gifts that capture the essence of New England and more. Alyson's offers hay rides on weekends and several festivals throughout the harvest season. We practice an IPM Protocol for pest management. Visitors are always welcome at Alyson's - For an extended visit to the area, stay at our beautiful Rochambeau Lodge or the East and West Wings of the Foster Farmhouse. Our comfortable lodging is available year around for one party groups such as family gatherings, weddings, ski groups and hunting parties., plus horseshoe pits and a bocce court, as well as boating, swimming and fishing (no license required) for our lodging guests. is a unique, 500 acre working orchard and year-round event and conference center in the heart of historic New England. Experience country elegance as you host your destination wedding, family reunion, corporate retreat or other special events in our stunning reception hall or amid Alyson's rolling lawns surrounded by breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley. is the ideal location for any type of get-a-way in any season. Explore Alyson's acres on snowshoes during the winter or hike during the spring. If you visit during warmer months, swim in one of Alyson's ponds or try your luck at fishing. In the Fall, come pick your own fruit in the orchard or visit the farm stand to enjoy our seasonal offerings, including: fresh-baked apple pies, unpasteurized apple cider, a large selection of fruit wines made from Alyson's apples and peaches, unique gifts that capture the essence of New England and more. Regardless of the season, unwind after your busy day in one of Alyson's lodging accommodations, including a restored 1860's farmhouse or a rustic lodge set amongst our apple trees. Close to picturesque Walpole and easily accessible from regional centers Boston, Manchester and Hartford, Alyson's also boasts a private landing strip available to guests by prior arrangement.

 

pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

pears, also known as serviceberries or Juneberries, are delicious and nutritious berries native to North America, mostly in the western Canada and northwestern U.S. . These small blue-purple berries grow on shrubs or small trees and have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and almonds. Here's what you need to know about pears, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

pears have a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in baked goods such as pies, muffins, and tarts, or even incorporated into jams, jellies, and sauces. pear berries also freeze well. They can be substituted for blueberries in recipes.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jam, jelly, freeze or make pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

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

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of pear berry harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting pears from late June to early August. Keep an eye on the berries as they ripen to determine the best time for harvesting.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe pear berries are plump, firm, and have a deep purple-blue color. They should come off the plant easily when gently pulled or twisted. Look for berries that have a uniform color and avoid those that are still green or red. Taste a few berries to ensure they have reached the desired sweetness before harvesting the entire crop.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest pear berries, simply hold the branch beneath the cluster of ripe berries and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch the berries as they fall.

The easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers.  The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Be careful not to squeeze or crush the berries while harvesting to maintain their shape and quality.

Handling and Storage:

Handle pear berries with care as they are delicate and can bruise easily. After harvesting, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store the freshly picked berries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate the berries and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing the berries for longer-term storage.

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh pears in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked pears will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed pears freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

 

 

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

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers