2024 Citrus County, west Florida Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Citrus County, west Florida in 2024, by county

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

Citrus County

• Moran Blueberry Farm and Nursery - peaches, nectarines, plums, grapes, persimmons
  Rooks Road, Floral City, FL . Phone: (352) 344-4496. Open: weekdays 8:30 am until noon and 4pm until 7pm. Directions: Located three miles south of Floral City just off highway U. Click here for a map and directions. . Saturday 0830 until 5pm and Sunday Noon until 5 pm; Usually available in April to June (peaches, nectarines), May to June (plums); Open every fall for muscadine grapes, pears and sweet persimmons. 10 acres with mostly peaches and nectarines for U-Pick. Also some prepicked fruit: blueberries and cultured blackberries. We are a low spray operation and put bluebird houses all over so they control the insects. We also sell cypress bluebird houses which attract the birds, and grow and sell gourds too, and make birdhouses out of them. The large "Garden of Weed'n" has blooming flowers for all to enjoy and we sell out the potted plants for sale, too. .S. 41 Look for the old blue van with the large U-PICK signage pointing the way. We are one hour north of Tampa but have regulars that come from much farther to enjoy this unique place. We hope to have a bountiful Spring crop of Blueberries, peaches, and a few plums in the April, May, June. Visit this page about mid April to find out when we will open. As with everything here, no sprays are used once the fruit is set. We offer U pick or we can arrange to do it for you. The farm is also known as Moran Blueberry Farm and Linda's Fruit Farm.
  Comments from a visitor on May 08, 2009: "You had to write if we heard anything about this place. I just spoke with the lady that runs it and the frost killed off her whole crop this spring, but is looking at a great fall crop of pears, persimmon and grapes. So, they are still open. She was very sweet and helpful with a lot of extra information!"

 

Persimmon Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Persimmons, 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 Persimmons, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

Persimmons 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. Persimmon 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 Persimmon pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

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

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of Persimmon 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 Persimmons 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 Persimmon 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 Persimmon 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 Persimmon 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 Persimmons in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked Persimmons 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 Persimmons 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