2024 Southern Maine Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Southern Maine 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.

Cumberland County

• Orchard Ridge Farm - apples, blueberries, pears, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  236 Sebago Lake Road, Gorham, ME 4038. Phone: (207) 712-1433. Email: apples@orchardridge.farm. Open: see our website for current hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Orchard Ridge Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: (207) 239-0442. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Blueberry season is typically: July 15 to September 7 Apple season is typically: August 5 to October 31 Asian Pear season is typically: August 20 to September 30 European Pear season is typically: September 10 to September 30. We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). During the U-Pick season, we host special tastings and demonstration events. We make our own NY style pizza featuring local ingredients, and we offer a wide selection of local foods in our farm market. Goat feeding and a variety of farm animals are always available. A public-access walking trail (the Mountain Division Trail) intersects our farm and adds an adventurous addition to your farm visit. Typical harvest dates: Apples: August through November; Blueberries: July and August ; Pears: begins in August; please check our Facebook page for regular crop updates!.(UPDATED: July 17, 2018) (ADDED: June 10, 2015)

York County

• McDougal Orchards - Nectarines, pears, plums, fall raspberries, pumpkins and apples, corn maze
  Hanson\'s Ridge Road, Springvale, ME . Phone: 207-324-5054. Email: mcdorch@gwi.net. Open: daily 9 am to 5 pm from August through October . Click here for a map and directions. . Fax 207-459-7849. Email . Updates for 2020: The long stretch of hot, dry weather has impacted our corn maze, but we are still hoping that it will grow tall enough. A light peach crop and a large number of pre-paid CSA shares means that we will have NO u-pick for peaches and nectarines in 2020. Any extra fruit will be sold in the Farm Store, ready picked. There will be NO wagon rides this year and the swing set will be unuseable. One mile south of Rte 11A on Hanson's Ridge Road. Drive your car into the field and pick your own fruit in our historic farm setting. Mostly dwarf trees provide easy picking. New varieties added frequently. Restroom available. Bus parking. (UPDATED: August 8, 2020 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