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Pear U-Pick orchards in Madison area of Wisconsin 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.

Dane County

  • Appleberry Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, pears, pumpkins, raspberries (red), strawberries, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, picnic area, school tours
    8079 Maurer Road, Cross Plains, WI 53528. Phone: 608 798 2780. Email: fun@theappleberryfarm.com. Open: Labor Day through Halloween, Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 12 pm; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm; For Summer Berry hours, call ahead. Directions: Westside of Madison 1218 Beltline, Exit Mineral Point Road, West 4 miles, turn left on Timber Lane, 1 mile, turn right on Maurer Road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Westside of Madison 12/18 Beltline, Exit Mineral Point Road, West 4 miles, turn left on Timber Lane, 1 mile, turn right on Maurer Road. Call ahead to verify what is ripe and available 608 to 798 to 2780. We use integrated pest management practices. Come feed the Chickens and sit by the Duck pond. Enjoy a Hayride or walk through the Orchard and explore our oak savanna with beautiful views towards Blue Mounds. Apple varieties: Over 30 Antique apple varieties, plus McIntosh, Cortland, Connell Red, Idared, Empire, Jonathan, NW Greening, Russets, & Prairie Spy.Strawberries are ripe in June after school gets out for the summer. We have a large field of several varieties for pick your own. Learn all about how strawberries are grown and enjoy their delicious taste fresh from the Farm. Call ahead for dates/hours open. (UPDATED: May 14, 2016, JBS) .

 

BUL866 Growing pears in the Inland Northwest and Intermountain West

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:

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)