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

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in Southwest 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.

Allegan County

• Dees Lakeshore Farm - raspberries and blueberries, honey from hives on the farm, fresh eggs
  1672 70th St, Lakeshore Dr, Fennville, MI 49408. Phone: (269) 227-3287. Email: deeslakeshorefarm@accn.org. Open: June 15th-November 1, daily hours vary with season. Click here for a map and directions. . . U-pick and we-pick. We also have our own homegrown peaches, sweet cherries, apples, plums, apricots, sweet corn, tomatoes, and squash. Our own honey, jams and jellies are also available. Seasonal items include pumpkins and flowers. We are proud of over 40 years of farming and service to our customers. From South Haven, take I-196 to Glenn/Exit 30. Turn left onto Blue Star Hwy. toward town of Glenn. Take right on first road, Lakeshore Dr./70th Street heading N. Approx. 1 mile N of Glenn on Lakeshore Dr./70th St. (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS) (UPDATED: August 09, 2014, by a visitor)
• Riverbend Farms - blackberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), U-pick and already picked
  44 72nd Street, South Haven, MI 49090. Phone: 269-350-9529. Email: riverbend@i2k.com. Open: Late June until October; 7 days per week; 8am to 6pm. Directions: I-196 exit 22, North Shore Drive and 72nd Street. In the south east quadrant of the interchange. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: 800-406-5482. . Raspberries and black berries U-pick or fresh picked.June through October. Pears in August. Chestnuts in October and November. (UPDATED: September 19, 2019, JBS)

Berrien County

• Eckler's Produce and Greenhouse - u-pick blueberries and raspberries
  1879 Barron Lake Road, Niles, MI 49120. Phone: 269-683-2509. Email: seedsman@ecklerfarms.com. Open: April-Nov. Directions: Located on E side of road. Click here for a map and directions. . Over 50 kinds of vegetables grown fresh on the farm. Also tree fruits: sweet cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and apples. Hydroponic tomatoes, asparagus. 17 kinds of dried hard shell gourds. , seven days a week, 9 am to 8 pm. I-94 to US-12 E at Niles. Becomes M-60, continue E to Barron Lake Road; turn left, go approx. 3-1/2 miles .
• Frank Farms - Apples, cherries, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, vegetables, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area
  8249 Deans Hill Road, Berrien Center, MI 49102. Phone: 269-461-4125. Email: frank@frankfarms.com. Open: 7 days a week from 7 am to 7 pm Call ahead when the weather is questionable. Directions: Take I-94 to WatervlietM-140 Exit. Take M-140 South to M-62, take a left onto M-62 and then a right onto Painter School Road. Take a left onto Deans Hill Road. We are on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Fax: 269-461-3422. . Take I-94 to Watervliet/M-140 Exit. Take M-140 South to M-62, take a left onto M-62 and then a right onto Painter School Road. Take a left onto Deans Hill Road. We are on the left. Updates: Click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Strawberries June 10th, Tart Cherries 1st of July, Red & Black Raspberries July 1st, Peaches August 1st, Apples September 15th. Our Vegetable U-Pick starts in the middle of June and lasts until the end of October. We have several varieties of vegetables including Potatoes, Cucumbers, Zucchini, Green Beans, Tomatoes, Jalapenos, Eggplant and Bell Peppers. We have a variety of fruits & vegetables available for sale as well as our u-pick. (UPDATED: June 16, 2021 JBS)
• Jollay Orchards Family Fun Farm - u-pick cherries, apricots, raspberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins, hayrides
  1850 Friday Road, Coloma, MI 49038. Phone: 616-468-3075. Email: info@jollayorchards.com. Open: May 1-Thanksgiving, daily, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm Harvest Festival weekends in September and October, 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Directions: Exit 39 off I-94, turn left and go 2 miles to 1850 Friday Road, Coloma. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Jollay Orchards Family Fun Farm Facebook page. . Fresh market with bakery, jams and jellies, other specialty items. Picnic area, animal farm and playground for fun activities. Fall Harvest Festival offers hayrides, children's activities and pumpkin patch. (UPDATED: February 26, 2019, JBS) Experience the fun at Jollay Orchards, play in the old western town, amaze in the corn maze and fright in the haunted house, throw a line into the fishing pond and hike around the orchards.
• Lehmans Orchard - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blueberries, cherries, red currants, black currants, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries, Nectarines, Blueberries, Blackberries, Plums, ​Peaches, ​Tomatoes, Peppers, ​Pears, Sweet Cherries, Tart Cherries, Gooseberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food
  2280 Portage Road, Niles, MI 49120. Phone: 269-683-9078. Alternate Phone: 574-286-7815. Fax: 269-683-9078. Email: stevelecklider@aol.com. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, from late May through October; Off season hours open every day from 12 pm to 5 pm November, December, closed January, February, March then open in April and May. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: coming from Chicago, Take I80-90 Toll Road east to exit 72. Drive north on bypass 31 into Michigan, turn right on US12 and head east one mile. Turn right on Portage Road and head south one mile, the red farm house is on the right. Click here for a map and directions. We use integrated pest management practices. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Click here for our Facebook page. Pick your own tart cherry and blueberry starting around July 1; Please check website or phone for current pick your own information. Also visit our farm winery/cidery/farm stand during the season. We are always adding interesting products and crops.  (UPDATED: August 28, 2023, JBS)
• Lemon Creek Fruit Farm - cherries, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, plums, apples and grapes
  533 E Lemon Creek, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. Phone: 269-471-1321. Email: farm@lemoncreekwinery.com. Open: June to November, Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm Sunday from 12 to 6 pm. Directions: 6 miles E of Red Arrow Hwy. at Bridgman, 5 miles west of Berrien Springs on Lemon Creek Rd. U-pick available for cherries, peaches, nectarines, raspberries, plums, apples and grapes in season. . Click here for a map and directions. . See this page for when fruits are typically available to pick. Free wine tasting, picnic area, festivals, Father's Day Festival, home wine makers welcome.
• Nye's Apple Barn and Farms - apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, blackberries, raspberries
  3151 Niles Avenue (m63), Saint Joseph, MI 49085. Phone: (269) 429-0596. Email: amthompson8@hotmail.com. Open: Please call ahead for dates; The season varies from year to year; Hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm Daily. Directions: Exit 27 from I-94. Coming from Chicago: Turn left, cross over bridge, market is on the right. From Detroit: Turn right, market is on the right. . Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: (269) 208-2344. . Grape varieties: Fredonia, Niagara, Concord (all available at discount quantities). Apples are usually ready from September 27 to October 13, from 9:00-5:00 Michigan time.
• Stover's Farm Market and U-Pic - Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, apricots, red and black blackberries, grapes, and hayrides
  7837 M-139, Berrien Springs, MI . Phone: 269-471-1401. Open: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday except Sundays; Early June to late October. Click here for a map and directions.
  Stover's Farm Market and U-Pic Facebook page. . U-Pic Schedule: Dates are TENATIVE, please call for availability! Strawberries: June - July; Sweet Cherries June - July; Tart Cherries: June - July; Red & Black Raspberries: June - July; Blackberries: July - August; Apricots July - August; Blueberries: July - August; Peaches July - September; (Red Haven, Crest Haven, Glo Haven, Baby Gold, Red Skins); Fall Red Raspberries: September - October; Pumpkins: September - October; Grapes September - October; Apples September - October; (Molly Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Red Rome, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonathan, Mutsu and others). Stovers has hayrides in October. (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)
• The Extraordinary Berry - 2023 permanently closed
  Riverside, MI 49084. Open: UPDATE for 2023, A visitor tells me the farm is permanently closed.

Calhoun County

• Bosserd Family Farm - flowers, pumpkins, raspberries, prepicked produce, petting zoo, farm animals, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  14721 Verona Road, Marshall, MI 49068. Phone: (269) 967-5284. Email: bos2p@aol.com. Open: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. . Phone: 269-781-4905. . Crops are usually available in July, August, September, October. Raspberries July 10 to 30th August 15th through September Corn Maze Sept 1 pm to October 31th U-Pick Pumpkins - October.
• Fox Ridge Farm - red raspberries
  12700 Eleven Mile Road, Ceresco, MI . Phone: 616-979-4287. Open: seven days a week, beginning first Mon. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick and picked , selection of jams and jellies, custom woodworking products (crafts and furniture). following July 4 until early October, 9 am to 6 pm. SE of Battle Creek, I-94 Exit 104. S on Eleven Mile Road, 2.8 miles to blinker light. Continue 1/4 mile, sign on left side. Turn left and follow road to lane to barn.
• Harvey's U-pick Farm - blueberries, chestnuts, raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries,
  2651 15 Mile Road, Tekonsha, MI 49092. Phone: 517-767-3408. Email: harveysfarm@gmail.com. Open: Hours of operation depend on crop that is in season; Please call or e - mail us for current and in-season picking times; For Strawberry season we are open daily. Directions: Our farm is located 34 of a mile from the I-69 and M-60 interchange in lower, central Michigan. Take I-69 south from Lansing or north of Coldwater, to exit number 25. Turn west on M-60. Go two thirds of a mile to 15 Mile Road, turn north on 15 Mile Road. We are the first farm on the left. See sign on corner of 15 Mile Road and M-60 and in front yard. Picking updates: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, credit cards.
  Harvey's U-pick Farm Facebook page. . . Our farm is located 3/4 of a mile from the I-69 and M-60 interchange in lower, central Michigan. Take I-69 south from Lansing or north of Coldwater, to exit number 25. Turn west on M-60. Go two thirds of a mile to 15 Mile Road, turn north on 15 Mile Road. We are the first farm on the left. See sign on corner of 15 Mile Road and M-60 and in front yard. Picking updates: click here for picking updates. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. Strawberries: June 8th through the first of July; Blueberries July 10, through August; Fall red raspberries: August to first hard frost; Chestnuts: through the month of October. Asparagus: Our home grown asparagus is picked daily and sold on our farm by chance or by reserving your order by calling or e-mailing us at least 24 hours in advance. We will return your call or e-mail to arrange for pick-up. Check out our Facebook page (UPDATED: June 07, 2020)

Cass County

• Eckler's Produce - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Spring, black), tomatoes, porta-potties
  1879 Barron Lake Road, Niles, MI 49120. Phone: (269) 683-2509. Email: seedsman@ecklerfarms.com. Open: Call for availability. Directions: Take I94 to Niles exit us 12 to Niles becomes m60 continue on TO Barron Lake Road turn north down 3 12 miles on east side of road. From the north m51 take south of Dowagiac Mi. to Pokagon highway turn east to Barron Lake Road turn south take for a little over a mile on east side of road. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . . Take I94 to Niles exit us 12 to Niles becomes m60 continue on TO Barron Lake Road turn north down 3 1/2 miles on east side of road. From the north m51 take south of Dowagiac Mi. to Pokagon highway turn east to Barron Lake Road turn south take for a little over a mile on east side of road. We use integrated pest management practices (IPM). (UPDATED: May 21, 2018)
• Sprague's Family Fun Farm - apples, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), pumpkins, restrooms, school tours
  33120 Middle Crossing Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047. Phone: (269) 782-8578. Email: spraguesfamilyfunfarm@gmail.com. Open: Visit our website for hours and availability. Directions: Take Indian lake Road South from Sister Lakes until you see our sign on the right at Middle Crossing Road Just down a ways on Middle Crossing. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . This is a fruit farm and market located in Southwestern Michigan near the Sister Lakes area. They offer seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as U-Pick apples and hayrides in the fall. There is a playground for the kids, and fun activities for the whole family. Check out the gem mining and Geo - Trax Train room. Enjoy a hayride before going out to the field to pick your perfect pumpkin.
  Comments from a visitor on March 20, 2010: "Great farm in Dowagiac, MI. close to Sister Lakes. Fresh produce all summer long with U-pick raspberries. Get your blueberries, peaches, nectarines, Sweet cherries, Plums, Tomatoes, and Sweet corn from. There are restroom facilities available. Come see the six and a half acre corn maze! Hay rides and Pumpkins in the fall. Choose from a wide selection of apples including Honeycrisp apples. Kids playground completes the ensemble for some great family fun. "

Kalamazoo County

• Koenig's Kountry Pickins - Uses natural growing practices, flowers, raspberries (Autumn, red),
  6129 East P Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Phone: 269-327-7653. Email: bethkoenig@ctsmail.net. Open: call for u-pick times end of August - Early October . Directions: From I-94, go south on Sprinkle. We are approximately 2 miles East of Sprinkle Road on P \(Bishop\) Avenue. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, only. Our stand is \self-serve\" and is """. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Alternate Phone: 269-271-4297. . From I-94, go south on Sprinkle. We are approximately 2 miles East of Sprinkle Road on P (Bishop) Avenue. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Our stand is "self-serve" and is open when we have berries (end of August - Early October)

St. Joseph County

• Burda's Berry Farm - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries
  20095 M 60, Three Rivers, MI . Phone: (269) 506-1746. Open: June 15 - October. Directions: 6 miles East of Three Rivers on M-60. 7 miles West of Mendon on M-60. U-pick strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries available. . Click here for a map and directions. . Phone:

Van Buren County

• Cycle Source Berries - raspberries
  33201 M-43, Paw Paw, MI 49079. Phone: 269-628-5471. Open: daily, 9:00 am to 6 pm. Directions: From Kalamazoo, take MI 131 to M-43 west towards South Haven. It will be about 11 miles on the left \(south side\) of M-43. The berries are behind the shop. From I-94, take the Paw Paw exit , head north on M-40 to M-43, turn right onto M-43; it will be on the south side, about 2 city blocks down. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. Cycle Source Berries From Kalamazoo, take MI 131 to M-43 west towards South Haven. It will be about 11 miles on the left (south side) of M-43. The berries are behind the shop. From I-94, take the Paw Paw exit , head north on M-40 to M-43, turn right onto M-43; it will be on the south side, about 2 city blocks down. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September. are usually read around June 20th.
• Degrandchamp Blueberries - blueberries, raspberries, cranberries
  76241 14th Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090. Phone: 616-637-3915. Email: info@degrandchamps.com. Open: early July to mid-September, seven days a week, 8 am to 6 pm. Click here for a map and directions. . U-pick blueberries, raspberries. South Haven's largest farm market with ready to buy blueberries and blueberry products. 3 miles S of South Haven on corner of Blue Star Hwy. & 14th Avenue, From I-196, take Exit 18, turn left (W), 1 mile. You will find plenty of fresh air, free parking, picnic areas, and clean restrooms. But best of all, our fields are well groomed and trimmed for easy picking. DeGrandchamp's Farm staff moves the U-Pick location as berries ripen in order to assure that you can pick the ripest, most abundant fruit. Few Blueberry farms have the wide varieties of blueberry bushes so you are assured an abundant supply of fresh, plump berries July through August. After picking as many blueberries as you would like, stop by our Farm Market where you can get more fresh picked blueberries, preserves, spreads, dried fruit, candies, mustards, dressings, salsas, sauces, bake mixes, cook books, homemade fudge, and more! (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)
• Hunt's Hillside LLC - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available
  27867 66th Avenue, Lawton, MI 49065. Email: huntshillsidellc@yahoo.com. Open: daily 9am to 6pm May - October , check facebook for current listings. Directions: Starting in Paw Paw, MI on S Kalamazoo Street go toward E Paw Paw Street - go 0.6 mi or 1 km Continue on M 40 - go 2.6 (4.1) mi (km), Continue on 31ST ST(M-40) Turn Left on 64TH Avenue - go 1.5 / 2.4 mi/ km Turn Right on County Road 657(CR-657) - go 0.5 / 0.8 mi / km Turn Left on 66TH Avenue - go 0.1 0.2 miles, on the Right. Click here for a map and directions. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check. Hunts Hillside LLC is now offering U pick and pre picked raspberry at their farm located just outside of Lawton Mi on the corner of 66th ave and CR 657. We have our raspberries under Haygrove High Tunnels which is like a 3 season greenhouse. So rain or shine you can pick anytime threw the month of October. Hunt's Hillside LLC is a family owned and operated farm and vineyard located in Lawton, MI. Offering flower sales, u-pick raspberries, vineyard camping experiences, and coming soon : Private wine tours, u-pick strawberries. (UPDATED: May 06, 2024) .
• Schemenauer Farms - blueberries, grapes, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), tomatoes, other vegetables,
  26980 Cr 215, Bangor, MI 49013. Phone: 269-214-0837. Email: luka@i2k.com. Open: june23 pm to September 30 24 hours. Directions: 2 miles east of Bangor on M-43, 34 mile north on CR 215, on left. June 23 to September 30. Payment: Cash, Check. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Schemenauer Farms Facebook page. . 2 miles east of Bangor on M-43, 3/4 mile north on CR 215, on left. June 23 to September 30. unique self serve operation, taste testing, drive right to where you pick, leaves a feeling of being on your own farm. 30 acres of fruit. (ADDED: July 25, 2016)
• Vineyard 354 Family Farm - blackberries, grapes, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, Bounce house, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  24777 County Road 354, Lawton, MI 49065. Phone: 540 903-1275. Email: Vineyard354@comcast.net. Open: Pick your own raspberries and blackberries seasonal same day as Market. Directions: From US 131 go west 6.5 miles on U Avenue. cross VanKal, U Avenue becomes County Road 354 go 1.5 miles farm on left From Lawton M-40 turn left on third street to end take right go 2.5 miles to left on County Road 354 4.5 miles Farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: 269-655-6230. . Annual Harvest Days October 13 2012 10:00 am to 4:00pm October 20 2012 10:00 am to 4:00pm October 27 2012 10:00 am to 4:00pm. Concord grapes. Book your private parties by calling (703) 819-3747 Or EMAIL us. Book your private evening BONN-FIRE and Hayride party with up to 25 friends we supply Bonn-fire picnic tables private party area and of course tractor HayRide from 4:00 pm to 10:00 PM. $275.00 flat. (UPDATED: September 18, 2019, JBS)

 

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