2024 Southeast Michigan Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in Southeast Michigan in 2024, by county

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

Hillsdale County

• Bob N Del Orchard - red raspberries
  , Osseo, MI . Phone: 517-523-3724. Open: UPDATE for 2022: they may have closed, there is NOTHING about them online anymore, after September 15-October, Monday to Friday, 12 pm to evening. Click here for a map of the area. . U-pick or we pick . From city of Hillsdale, proceed E on Bacon Road 6 miles to Tripp Road (Intersection of Bacon Road & Tripp Rd.)
• Creek Valley Farm - strawberries, raspberries
  6600 E Camden Rd, Waldron, MI 49288. Phone: (517) 567-4428. Open: see their Facebook page. Directions: Located near Waldron, MI and has supplied the community with fresh strawberries and raspberries for decades. Click here for a map and directions. . is a family operated farm .
• K's Acres A North Sand Lake Fruit and Berry Farm - raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), U-pick and already picked, farm market
  4680 Fitzpatrick Rd, Hillsdale, MI 49242. Phone: 517-437-7054. Email: Hllsdltom@aol.com. Open: Sunday thru Saturday 10 am to 6 pm 7 days a week Summer and Fall Raspberries. Directions: Located in Beautiful Hillsdale county southern mid Michigan off of highway US 12 just west of Jonesville. Turn south on Bunn road to 4680 Fitzpatrick road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, WIC Vouchers, SFMNP Vouchers. 31K's Acres A North Sand Lake Fruit and Berry Farm . Available at Our on Farm Market open daily from April to November: Pre picked Strawberries June thu September; Apricots July August, Flamin' Fury and Stellar Peaches July thru September, Pre picked Summer Raspberries July 15 thru August Fall Pre picked Raspberries August thru October, Strawberries June thu October, Plums July thu September Blueberries July 10 thu August; Over 60 varieties of Apples July thu November. We Feature Flamin' Fury & Stellar variety peaches yellow and white fleshed. Japanese plums Early gold Shiro and more Including World Famous "Bubble Gum" Plum. Our apple variety list includes Modern and many "Heritage apples". Gravenstein, Chenango Strawberry, Rambo, Cox, Hubbard Non such, Wealthy, Roxbury russet. Including Minnesota varieties like Honey crisp Zestar Beacon Sweet 16 Regent Fireside and Red Baron State fair and many more. Farmers Markets we attend Ypsilanti Tuesday, Green Market Thursday; Hillsdale Down town Saturday.

Ingham County

• Gruber Raspberry Farm - raspberries
  1061 E Sherwood Road, Williamston, MI 48895. Phone: 517-655-2901. Click here for a map and directions. 03">Gruber Raspberry Farm U-pick in September & Oct. Call for hours. Closed Sun. I-96 Exit 117 (east of Lansing), N on Williamston Road through Williamston to Sherwood Road (blinker light). W on Sherwood Road From Lansing, 3 miles E on Grand River Ave. from Meridian Mall, 1/2 mile N on Meridian Road, 2 miles E on Sherwood. UPDATE September 20, 2007: Changed owners - formerly Veenstra)

Livingston County

• Hazen's Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
  1144 Peavy Road, Howell, MI 48843. Phone: 517-548-1841. Email: hazensfarm@gmail.com. Open: Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 7 pm, closed on Mondays. Directions: Our farm is located in beautiful Howell, MI just minutes from exit 137 off I96. Off I-96 to Exit D-19 N to Mason Road, left on Peavy Road, farm 1 mi. on right side of the Road. Come see us. We appreciate your business!. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Hazen's Farm Facebook page. . . Blueberries: mid July to the end of August Raspberries: August to October Peaches: end of July to August. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We have a bakery where we sell freshly made pies, cookies, and other baked goods. We also sell our artisinal handpacked ice cream. Our raw honey is made from the local hives of Livingston County. Raw honey has not been heated, pasteurized, or processed. Honey that is raw maintains its natural vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants. Many healthy benefits of raw honey include anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes body and digestive health, while strengthening the immune system. One of the most useful benefits to our customers is it's ability to treat seasonal allergies. Note: A visitor says they do not have peaches any more - all their trees died. (UPDATED: July 15, 2016)
• Spicer Orchards - strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pumpkins, blueberries, plums, apples, hayrides, winery, corn maze
  10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430. Phone: (810) 632-7692. Email: contactus@spicerorchards.com. Open: Daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Directions: Take US-23 3 miles N of M-59 interchange to Clyde Road \(Exit 70\), then go E 12 mile Located 10 miles N of Brighton or 10 miles S of Fenton. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Spicer Orchards Facebook page. . U-pick or picked strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pumpkins, blueberries, plums and apples. Picked peaches and pears. Strawberries start around June 1st. Cider mill, hayrides, Fall Festival weekends, petting farm, kids playground and school tours. Take US-23 3 miles N of M-59 interchange to Clyde Road (Exit 70), then go E 1/2 mile Located 10 miles N of Brighton or 10 miles S of Fenton. PICK YOUR OWN~ESTIMATED HARVEST DATESStrawberries ........ June 7th to July 1stRed Tart Cherries .... July 1st to August 1st (We have a pitting machine)Sweet Cherries ...... July 1st to July 20th (usually pre-picked only)Red Raspberries ..... July 5th to August 1stBlueberries ......... July 10th to September 1stPaula Red .......... August 15th to September 1stRed Cortand ........... August 20th to September 5thFall Red Raspberries .. August 1st to October 15th Blue Stanley Plums ... September 5th to September 15th MacIntosh .......... September 5th to October 1st Honeycrisp.......... September 10th to October 1st Jonagold ........... September 25th to October 15th Empire ............. September 25th to October 10th Red Delicious ....... September 25th to October 25th Jonathon ........... September 25th to October 10th Golden Delicious ..... September 25th to October 31stNorthern Spy ......... October 1st to October 25thIda Red ............ October 1st to October 25thMutsu ............. October 1st to October 25th.

Macomb County

• Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, asparagus, blackberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, herbs or spices, lavender, melons, pears, peas, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, watermelons, Honey from hives on the farm, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, jumping pillow, trike track, pedal kart track, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005. Phone: (586) 784-5343. Email: info@blakefarms.com. Open: MID JUNE THROUGH EARLY NOVEMBER from 8 AM to 6 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Blake Farms Orchard and Cider Mill Facebook page. . . We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). Blake's Big Apple, located in Armada, Michigan offers everything for the family. You can get our award winning cider and donuts prepared fresh daily, as well as pre-picked seasonal produce. You can also come out and pick our your own produce. We also carry our own line of jarred goods, like salsas, jams, jellies, pickled veggies and bbq sauces. During the fall we also have a variety of haunted attractions, like zombie paintball and haunted hayrides.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Japanese Rose, MacIntosh, Cortland, Gala. Also U-Pick tomatoes and Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Raspberries, Plums, Bartlett Pears.Apple varieties: Empire, Jonathon, Early Fuji, Japanese Rose, Wolf River, Wealthy, Cortland, Gala. Vegetables: Green beans, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Cabbage, and Lavender, Wild flowers. Peppers: Jalapenos, Pablanos, Bell peppers, Banana peppers, Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill LEARN MOREBlake's Big Apple LEARN MOREBlake's Almont Garden Center LEARN MORE (UPDATED: May 26, 2018)
• Millers Big Red Orchard - apples, raspberries, pumpkins, farm animals inflatables, wedding venue,
  4900 32 Mile Road, Washington, MI . Phone: (586) 752-7888. Email: bigredevents@theepicureangroup.com. Open: May 1 to Thanksgiving, 9 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. Directions: I-75 to N. Rochester Road, to 32 Mile Rd.; or M-53 to 32 Mile Road \(on 32 Mile Road between Rochester Road and Van Dyke.\) U-pick: apples. Also available, peaches, fresh produce, plums, grapes and many more. Fall group tours; educational fun for all ages. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Millers Big Red Orchard Facebook page. . . I-75 to N. Rochester Road, to 32 Mile Rd.; or M-53 to 32 Mile Road (on 32 Mile Road between Rochester Road and Van Dyke.) U-pick: apples. Also available, peaches, fresh produce, plums, grapes and many more. Fall group tours; educational fun for all ages. Miller's Big Red Barn facebook page. Bakery and Country Store offers lots and lots of homestyle pies, breads, donuts, butters, jams & jellies. Free petting farm. Cider Mill. Greehouses; full of bedding plants and Fall mums. We ARE though still one of the only farms around that still MAKES & BAKES OUR OWN PIES from SCRATCH! YUM!!! Big Red has 90 acres to host your wedding, family reunion, graduation party, company picnic, and fundraiser 5K run. From an intimate gathering of 40 to an outdoor picnic of 500, our Epicurean Catering Events Team will take care of the details for your day so you can be a Guest and enjoy! U-pick Apple orchard with a Cider mill, Bakery: doughnuts, pies.Petting Farm, Bounce-house and children's attractions, a farm market with seasonal fresh produce and Made in Michigan goods, Hard-cider tasting room, Hydroponic farming and Aquaponic farming. Big Red now offers year-round events and catering, in addition to an onsite Smokehouse and Restaurant. (UPDATED: June 19, 2018)
• Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill - apples, raspberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, pony rides, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
  2961 W. 32 Mile, Romeo, MI 48065. Phone: 586-752-2453. Email: rross123@comcast.net. Open: Daily September through December 31st from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; then January through March on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Directions: Located on 32 mile between Van Dyke\(M53\) and Rochester Road North side of road;. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Located on 32 mile between Van Dyke(M53) and Rochester Road North side of road; . . Fax: 586-752-3976. . Crops are usually available in January, February, March, September, October, November, December. Come enjoy our fresh apple cider pressed from our own mill, along with hot, delicious donuts made in our Donut House, at our picnic area while the kids play on the straw bales! No admission fee! On a busy fall weekend you can pick your own apples, pumpkins and raspberries (red, yellow & black) or purchase them pre-picked in our Salesroom. In our Salesroom we also offer apples, hand made pies and caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and many other great products!

Monroe County

• Erie Orchards Cider - blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and raspberries, corn maze, hayrides, apple cider
  1235 Erie Road, Erie, MI 48133. Phone: (734) 848-4518. Email: SElzinga@ErieOrchards.com. Open: July- December . Directions: Located 10 miles S of Monroe and 5 miles N of Toledo. Click here for a map and directions. . . U-pick blueberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins and raspberries. Weekend special events in September & Oct. School tours May- December . Farm market has fresh donuts & fritters daily. , daily, 9 am to 7 p.m. Sun. 11 am to 6 pm. I-75 S to Exit 5, Erie Road. Then W 3 miles to orchard. . Note: the u-pick closes a 1/2 hour before the store closes each evening. Call for picking info. At the Orchard, you can.. Visit our Animal Center, Play in our Straw Play Zone, Have fun at our Children Play Zone, Walk our Corn Maze, Join us for an Evening hay ride, Have a party at our place, Shop at our main store, Join us for Family Fun Night, Pick some apples, Join us for a Weekend Event, Bring your group for a Tour, Visit our Crafter area.
• Gaskill Family Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, asparagus, beets, blackberries, broccoli, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, onions, other berries, pears, peppers, raspberries (red),
  12433 Crowe Rd, Milan, MI 48160. Phone: 734-439-1225. Email: gaskillfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Open: Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right west. Directions: From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right \(west\). Immediately turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 \(Cone Road\) turn left \(north\) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left \(west\) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right \(north\) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left \(west\) after you cross the railroad tracks \(approximately 1 mile\). . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Gaskill Family Farm Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 734-260-2998. . From US 23 North: take exit 22 Cone Road and turn right (west). Immediately turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. From US 23 South: Take exit 22 (Cone Road) turn left (north) onto Ann Arbor Road. At stop sign, turn left (west) onto Cone Road. Cross the overpass and turn right (north) onto Crowe Road. Once on Crowe, we are the 3rd house on the left (west) after you cross the railroad tracks (approximately 1 mile). Strawberries (starting 2017) mid June to early July; Raspberries about 1 to 2 weeks after strawberries start until late Fall; vegetables all summer and into Fall (June to October); Apples/Pears September to late October. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Credit Card. Updated June 2016. is a small farm growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In a normal year we will start out picking strawberries for the farmers markets followed about mid June with summer red raspberries then blackberries, fall red raspberries, apples and pumpkins. Our growing method is conventional with a great deal of effort put on Integrated Pest Management. We work with nature every where we can, from seeding down hard to plant areas to a vegetation that will attract beneficial insects to growing a combination of clover and grasses between rows of raspberries, not only make it easier for our customers to walk, but to supply some of the nitrogen the raspberries need to grow. (UPDATED: June 24, 2016) (ADDED: June 22, 2015)

Oakland County

• Middleton Berry Farm - strawberries, fall raspberries, tomatoes and pumpkins
  4790 Oakwood Road, Ortonville, MI 48462. Phone: 248-831-1004. Open: Call for picking days and times. Directions: 5 miles east of Ortonville between M-15 and M-24. From I-75 take Exit 84 \(Baldwin Rd.\). Go north on Baldwin Rd 10 miles to Oakwood Road, turn left. Farm is one mile on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Credit cards. . E 5 miles east of Ortonville between M-15 and M-24. From I-75 take Exit 84 (Baldwin Rd.). Go north on Baldwin Rd 10 miles to Oakwood Road, turn left. Farm is one mile on the left. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. (UPDATED: September 25, 2016, JBS)

Washtenaw County

• Berry Hill Farm - blackberries, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (Spring, black), Honey from hives on the farm
  12835 North Territorial Road, Dexter, MI 48130. Phone: 734 475 1516. Email: jljedele@yahoo.com. Open: mid - August through October: Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm; Sunday, noon to 6 pm; Call ahead or check on Facebook to varify picking conditions. Directions: Located northwest of Ann Arbor. 12 miles west of US23 \(n. territorial road exit\) and 3.5 miles west of Dexter-Pinckney road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Located northwest of Ann Arbor. 12 miles west of US23 (n. territorial road exit) and 3.5 miles west of Dexter-Pinckney road. Spring black raspberries start late June; Call for information; Also, check our Facebook page for other items we might offer. Our berries are raise on trellised groomed rows. We follow Integrated Pest Management practices and our goal is healthy clean fruit. Parking is free. (UPDATED: September 25, 2016, JBS)
• Slow Farm - Certified Organic, asparagus, herbs/spices, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties, school tours, farmstand
  4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Phone: (917) 837-0975. Email: slowfarmandfriends@gmail.com. Open: Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm, October 1 to October 31. Directions: From M-14 West: - Take Whitmore Lake Road Exit \(Exit 4\) - Turn right on Whitmore Lake Road - Continue north on Whitmore Lake Road , approximately 2 miles - Slow Farm is on the left. Look for field with a campermarket stand and a deer fence. - 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx.
  Slow Farm Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From M-14 West: - Take Whitmore Lake Road Exit (Exit 4) - Turn right on Whitmore Lake Road - Continue north on Whitmore Lake Road , approximately 2 miles - is on the left. Look for field with a camper/market stand and a deer fence. - 4700 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105. Asparagus season: May to June; Strawberry season: June; Flower season: June or July to October; Tomato season: August to September; Pumpkin and Squash season: September to November;. We are certified organic for all crops! is certified organic by OEFFA since June 2018. We practice collaborative agroecology and welcome visitors during our open hours. (ADDED: October 09, 2018)
• Tantre Farm - Uses natural growing practices, raspberries (Autumn, black), U-pick and already picked, porta-potties
  5700 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Phone: (734) 475-4323. Email: info@tantrefarm.com. Open: Wednesday 8 am to 7 pm. Directions: We are at the corner of Zeeb Road and Scio Church Road, look for the large timber frame structure. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo.
  Tantre Farm Facebook page. . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. On our 115-acre farm there are about 40 acres of vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits, and mushrooms. Please contact us by email to schedule farm visits or buy produce in advance. Thank you for your understanding. (UPDATED: July 15, 2021) ( ADDED: May 18, 2021)
• Wasem Fruit Farm - apples, red raspberries, pumpkins, black currants and gooseberries
  6580 Judd Road, Milan, MI 48160. Phone: (734) 482-2342. Open: during tart cherry season approx. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick tart cherries beginning about July 1. U-pick and already picked apples beginning about September 10. Apple cider, donuts, pumpkins, squash, plums and farm market. Pre-arranged school tours (September 15-October 31). during tart cherry season (approx. July 1-20), 9 am to 6 pm, everyday. Then open again approx. September 10-October 31, 9 am to 6 pm, everyday. Reduced hours November 1. Exit US-23 at Willis Road (Exit 31), go E 3 miles to Pitman Road, S 1 mile to Judd Road, left to 6580 Judd Road. Or exit I-94 at Rawsonville Road (Exit 187). Go S 4-1/2 miles to Willis Road, W 4-1/2 miles to Pitman Road, S 1 mile to Judd Road, left to 6580 Judd Rd.
  Comments from a visitor on September 04, 2008: "Hi. I just wanted to let you know that in Milan, Michigan is a place to pick black currants and gooseberries in July. This is just about the only place I've found that has these. "

Wayne County

• Bird's Big Punk'ns - Pumpkins, Pick your own Red Raspberries,
  16750 Hannan, Romulus, MI 48174. Phone: 734-941-1037. Open: September and October, Daily from 10 am til dark. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate phone: 734-673-5150.
  Comments from a visitor on September 17, 2009: "They are family friendly, happy to let the children pick berries along with you. And the pumpkins make great photo ops! They cannot be found on any other website, but we've picked berries 3 years in a row and they make great jam! And they specialize in "Monster" pumpkins. Pumpkins in all different sizes, some HUGE and different colors. "

 

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or  a late summer and Fall crop. In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!  
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping raspberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Tips on how to pick raspberries

1. Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

   Raspberries Nutritional Data
   (fresh)

   Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
   Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)
   Carbohydrates	11.94 g
   Sugars	4.42 g
   Dietary fiber	6.5 g
   Fat	0.65 g
   Protein	1.2 g
   Vitamins
   Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
   Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
   Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
   Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
   Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
   Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
   Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
   Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
   Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
   Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg
   Minerals
   Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
   Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
   Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
   Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
   Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
   Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
   Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg
   Other constituents
   Water	85.8 g
   Units μg = micrograms � mg = milligrams IU = International units
   Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

   
   
2. A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
3. Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
4. I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
5. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
7. Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
8. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
3. Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
4. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
5. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) raspberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
6. Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
7. See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

1. Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
   raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
2. And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
3. You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
4. See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

 

Raspberry Facts

• Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
• Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
• The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
• 11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
• An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
• Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
• Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
• Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
• Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
• In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
• Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
• 60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
  Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
• The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
• Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
• According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
• U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to go to a raspberry festival? See this page for a list!

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