2024 Central Washington State Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Central Washington State 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.

Yakima County

• McIlrath Family Farms - strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums, pluots, nectarines, pears, apples, Christmas trees
  10 Old Naches Hwy, Yakima, WA 98908. Phone: (509) 480-2676. Email: info@mcilrathfarms.com. Open: Call or see their website or facebook page for hours. Directions: We are located at the stoplight at the intersection of Old Naches Highway and Highway 12. As you are traveling west on Highway 12, look for the intersection with Old Naches Highway and Old Powerhouse Road. We are the large white tent and greenhouse on the north side of Highway 12. . Click here for a map and directions.
  McIlrath Family Farms Facebook page. . Typical harvest dates are: Strawberries in May and June, Cherry harvest: Estimated to be July, Peach / Pluot / Plum / Nectarine harvest: Estimated to be late July-Early August. Pear harvest: August. Apples: Late September through October. Christmas Trees: Fresh cut trees with free pictures with Santa on the weekends. (ADDED: June 27, 2018, JBS)
• West Valley U-Pick - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blueberries, pears, pumpkins, raspberries, and prepicked produce, restrooms
  11901 Zier Road, Yakima, WA 98908. Phone: 509-945-5406. Email: yakimaberries@gmail.com. Open: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday 8 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm. Directions: We are located in the beautiful West Valley area of Yakima, WA. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  West Valley U-Pick Facebook page. . Blueberries and Raspberries July, August and the first two weeks of September Pears Bartlett and Anjou August through early September Apples Gala and Red and Golden Delicious September through October Pumpkins October Garden veggies all summer. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. We have an area to park your motorhome and large field for camping, a hose for water, and a primitive bathroom, for those who would like to spend the night. Please call for availability. Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. Raspberry Picking June 30 to July; Blueberry picking mid-July to October; Pears Bartlett Late August early September; Apples Gala and Red and Golden Delicious September through October. Pumpkins October. We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. You may e-mail us for my phone number, current crops, and picking times. We look forward to seeing you on our farm. We Have Raspberries, Blueberries, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Apricots, Plums, Pluots and Other Fruits and Veggies. Typical dates: Blueberries.... July 15th - Oct 15th...Apples and Pears Through Oct 30th . Formerly called All Natural U Pick and Scenic Acres Orchard (UPDATED: June 27, 2018, JBS)

 

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