2024 Desoto and Hardee counties, west Florida Persimmon U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Persimmon U-Pick orchards in Desoto and Hardee counties, 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.

Desoto County

• English Lake Farm - May, June; Blueberries - April, May, June; Persimmons - July, August; Citrus - November, December, Jan., Feb; Honeybells, Meyer Lemons,Ruby Red Grapefruit, Tangerines, Tangelos; Avocados - July, August.
  7288 South West Lime Drive, Fort Ogden, FL 34267. Phone: 863-990-6164. Email: Englishlakefarm@aol.com. Open: Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 5pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 5pm. Directions: Call for detailed directions to the farm. Off of Highway 17, halfway between Punta Gorda and Arcadia; located in SW Florida in Ft. Ogden, off of Highway 17, halfway between Arcadia and Punta Gorda. Look for the little Post Office. For a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 863-494-0911. . Blueberries are available March 15th until June. It looks like this year's crop will be a great one and the peaches are also on the way to getting ripe. Come on out while the weather is still not too hot. We are looking forward to seeing all our old friends and to making a lot more! We also have a limited supply of raw Orange Blossom Honey as well as a selection of jams and jellies. We have for U-Pick: Peaches
  Comments from a visitor on September 16, 2010: "I went there this summer on several occasions and even brought along a gaggle of friends, to pick the most delicious and BIG blueberries!! Farmer Walter and his lovely wife are still there. Additional veggies available in smaller quantities, just call and ask. SPOKE WITH WALTER TODAY: The next crop will be CITRUS (HONEYBELLS, MYER LEMONS, ETC) starting Dec.2010. Walter also grows lots of fun things like apples, watermelons, avocado, persimmon, peaches and sells trees too, during the season. Very close to Punta Gorda / Pt Charlotte. "

 

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